NOR649 Schofield I (2006) Supporting older people to quit smoking. 4) Nursing Older People. Date of acceptance: 20 April 2006

Until recently there has been little attention paid in health policy and practice to older people who smoke. But this is changing because of the increasing numbers of current mid-life smokers who continue the habit into older age and because evidence is growing of the health benefits of smoking cessation for people with lung disease. Nurses can play a key role in providing information on the benefits of smoking cessation in later life, and giving advice and support with smoking cessation.