Page 129 - Petelin, Ana. 2024. Ed. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih | Health of the Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik prispevkov z recenzijo | Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press

Theme 1: Factors That Facilitate Smoking
All callers were regular smokers, except one who could maintain abstinence for
2 consecutive days. One call was made on day 10 after quitting to report pro-
gress and one call of an ex-smoker on behalf of their family. All were classic cig-
arettes users, no one indicated they might be using newer nicotine products.
Two male callers did ask for information on those.
Most have been smoking for decades, only one started smoking 1 and
a half years ago after retirement. All but one had at least one experience of
quitting. While only three callers shared information on how they first start-
ed smoking, it is interesting that both male callers stated they became smokers
while in the army. Considering the social norms in the 20 century we can as-
th
sume most of them started smoking out of curiosity and a desire to be accept-
ed by their social circle since smoking was much more socially acceptable and
accessible in the past.
“She started smoking because of the ‘trend’” Female, 60, a smoker for 40 129
years
“He started in the army...” Male, 60, a smoker for 40 years
Among the reasons for relapsing callers most often cited some kind of
stressful event or major life change: retirement, loss of a family member, rela-
tionship problems. Only one caller stated that the attempt to quit was a result
of change in tobacco legislation. The reports of relapsing after a single cigarette
are of particular concern, as well as receiving advice from a health profession-
al that sudden cessation is bad for health. smoking habits of older adults in slovenia – analysis of quitline calls
“Started again 2 years ago when her husband died.” Female, 60, a smok-
er for 45 years
“… but then she smoked a cigarette at a New Year’s party and the story re-
peated itself ...” Female, 60, a smoker for 40 years
“In the past, she stopped smoking for 18 days because she didn’t have mon-
ey, and then the doctor advised her that sudden quitting was bad, so she started
again.” Female, 66, a smoker for 50 years
“He quit 2 or 3 times in the past, but gained weight, which tempted him
back to smoking... He read an interview with a doctor who warned about quit-
ting and weight gain, which is now worrying him...” Male, 75, a smoker for 59
years
Among the current reasons for smoking callers most often mentioned
boredom or too much free time. It is a worrying fact that loneliness, anxiety
and stress are so often cited as reasons for continuing the habit.
“In the spring and summer, he has enough work in the garden, but in the
winter he smokes out of boredom.” Male, 63, a smoker for 30 years
“[smokes] whenever he has a free hand.” Male, 64, a smoker for 50 years
“He has been retired for 1 year and now smokes even more than in the past.”
Male, 60, a smoker for 40 years