Company Wellness : Wellness Programs – Tobacco use Cessation.

Medical research has long shown quitting use of tobacco at any age can improve a person’s health.

But a Duke Univ. shows that the group you might think would be the least likely to quit – individuals  over the age of 50 – may actually have the best odds for quitting through a use of tobacco cessation program.

Scientists tracked 573 older patients over 10 years. They found that just 16% of those who joined the use of tobacco cessation program later returned to use of tobacco.  Meanwhile, previous research has found young smokers who attempt to quit have a 35% to 45% relapse rate within two years.

Bottom line –   Given the aging staff member population and the cost of retiree healthcare, you may want to keep trying with tobacco use cessation education for your older personnel.