Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health (COSH) organizes Elderly Smoking Cessation Promotion Project every year to promote the benefits of smoke-free lifestyle among the elderly through health talks, home visits and community promotion activities. Today (26 November), COSH launched a publicity event under the theme “Stay Smoke-free, Live Splendidly”, encouraging the elderly to keep away from tobacco and embrace a joyful and healthy life.
Officiating guests at the event included Dr Donald LI Kwok-tung, GBS, JP (Chairman of Elderly Commission), Dr Manny LAM Man-chung (Head of Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health), Mr Henry FAN Hung-ling, SBS, JP (Chairman of Hospital Authority), Mr CHAN How-chi, MH (Convenor of New Territories West Elder Academies Cluster), Mr LAU Sai-chong (Convenor of New Territories East Elder Academies Cluster), Mr Henry TONG Sau-chai, BBS, MH, JP (COSH Chairman), Dr Johnnie CHAN Chi-kau, SBS, BBS, JP (COSH Vice-chairman), and Ms Vienna LAI Wai-yin (COSH Executive Director).
Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of premature death and severe illnesses in the elderly. Research of The University of Hong Kong revealed that compared to elderly smokers, those who had quit smoking had a 28%, 53% and 27% lower risk of death from all causes, lung cancer and heart disease respectively. However, the general public still holds misconceptions about smoking cessation in elderly and long-term smokers whose motivation to quit is comparatively low. Mr Henry TONG, COSH Chairman, called for greater awareness about smoke-free living in the elderly, and encouraged them to steer clear of smoking and secondhand smoke. He remarked, “The support of family and friends plays a crucial role in helping every smoker, especially the elderly, take the first step toward quitting. Therefore, we should seize every opportunity to care for their health and constantly remind them of the importance of quitting smoking.”
Strengthening tobacco control helps foster a smoke-free environment, motivates smokers to quit, and enables more citizens to experience the benefits of smoke-free life. Dr Manny LAM, Head of Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office of the Department of Health, stated, “The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 has been passed in September this year to implement the new phase of tobacco control measures. Promoting smoking cessation is an important pillar under the tobacco control strategy. The Department of Health has subvented various service providers to operate Western medicine and Chinese medicine smoking cessation services across Hong Kong free of charge. Those wishing to quit smoking may call the Quitline at 1833 183 for referral to free cessation services that caters their needs.”
Smoking damages almost all body organs and accelerates ageing. In addition to being a primary risk factor for over ten types of cancer, smoking is also closely associated with many chronic diseases commonly found in the elderly. At the event, Prof Timothy KWOK Chi-yui, Professor of the Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Director of CUHK Jockey Club Centre for Osteoporosis Care and Control and Director of Jockey Club Centre of Positive Ageing, reminded the public not to overlook the adverse effects of tobacco on brain and bone health. He pointed out that smoking is an important risk factor for dementia and osteoporosis, and emphasized that quitting smoking at any age could bring substantial health benefits.
Successful quitter Mr LEE Ming-tat encouraged smokers to quit by sharing his personal experience at the event. He said that he had suffered stroke some years ago but did not recognize the harms of smoking at that time. During moments of frustration, he smoked more frequently, further worsening his physical and mental health. With encouragement from friends and support from professional smoking cessation counselors, Mr LEE eventually succeeded in quitting smoking and his well-being was significantly improved. His quit journey is a testament to the life-changing, positive effects of quitting.
The Project was supported by the New Territories West Elder Academies Cluster, New Territories East Elder Academies Cluster and the Hospital Authority this year. Around 50 elderly volunteers were recruited as Smoke-free Elderly Ambassadors to join hands with COSH in promoting the smoke-free messages throughout the community. Certificates of appreciation were presented at the event in recognition of their commitment to championing a smoke-free and healthy lifestyle and inspiring others to follow their lead.
Guests from various sectors of society join forces to promote a smoke-free, healthy community.
Smoke-free Elderly Ambassadors join hands with COSH to promote smoke-free messages in the community.
Prof Timothy KWOK Chi-yui, Professor of the Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Director of CUHK Jockey Club Centre for Osteoporosis Care and Control and Director of Jockey Club Centre of Positive Ageing, shared insights on the impact of smoking on brain and bone health, and encouraged the elderly that it is never too late to quit.