When Shawn’s 78-year-old father expressed a desire to quit smoking, Shawn didn’t think it was going to be possible. After all, his father had smoked almost his whole adult life. However, recent health scares and advice from the doctor finally convinced Shawn’s father that he needed to quit. Even though the family members all expressed an interest in helping their elderly relative reach his goal, Shawn knew they would need a lot of help from many different places to help his dad finally kick the habit.
It’s never too late for someone to gain numerous health benefits once they quit smoking. In fact, quitting this bad habit can help aging adults feel and look better, and there are many short-term and long-term benefits for doing so. In addition, seniors will lower their risk of developing certain smoking-related illnesses and avoid further complications with their existing health issues. However, seniors will need a lot of support from family caregivers and home care providers to be successful.
Seniors Need the Right Incentive to Quit
When someone has been smoking or decades, it’s a very difficult habit to break. However, if the aging adult is really dedicated, smoking is something that they can leave behind forever. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 aging Americans are regular smokers. Many of them picked up the habit long before medical studies showed that smoking was quite harmful to their health. Family caregivers and home care providers can help aging adults with setting goals, making realistic plans and making it to the finish line.
Health Benefits for Seniors Who Quit
It’s easy to find information on how harmful smoking is to a person’s health and wellness. Medical studies link numerous diseases like lung cancer, heart attacks, strokes and eye disease to smoking. Other health issues associated with smoking include high blood pressure, respiratory issues, poor circulation and a weakened immune system. In addition, a smoker’s hair, skin and teeth suffer from the effects of smoking.
In the short time after quitting smoking, the body already starts to heal itself and expel toxins. There are improvements to blood pressure, oxygen saturation in the blood and in the senses of smell and taste. The risks of serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks are cut in half and they are much less likely to develop cancer. With help from family caregivers and home care providers, aging adults have a much better chance of success.
Because most people are not successful the first few times they try to quit smoking, it means that seniors with the desire to leave smoking behind need their support people more than ever-family caregivers, friends, and home care providers. Millions of people quit each year, so the desire for better health plus the encouragement of loved ones many finally propel elderly adults to success.
If you or a loved one are in need of Home Care Services in Emmaus PA or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610) 200-6097.
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