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Current Cigarette Smoking
In 2012–2013, 18.1% of adults aged 55–64 were current
cigarette smokers, 8% lower than the percentage in 2002–2003
(19.7%); cigarette smoking prevalence varied by
sociodemographic group.
Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death
in the United States, resulting in about 480,000 deaths
across all ages for each year during 2005–2009 (67). Tobacco
use is associated with death from many types of cancer,
heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (67–69)—all of which are major causes of
death for those 55–64 (Figure 20). Quitting smoking has
immediate health benefits, and in the long-term, the risks of
smoking-related diseases decrease (67,70–72).
In 2012–2013, 18.1% of adults aged 55–64 were current
cigarette smokers, which was 8% lower than the percentage
for 55- to 64-year-olds in 2002–2003 (19.7%). The percentage
of adults aged 55–64 who were current smokers in 2012–
2013 was lower than in 2002–2003 for women, Hispanic
persons, and those living at 400% or more of poverty.
Cigarette smoking varies by gender, racial and ethnic group,
and family income for those aged 55–64. In 2012–2013, men
(20.7%) were more likely than women (15.7%), and non-
Hispanic white (18.8%) and non-Hispanic black (21.5%)
adults were more likely than Hispanic (10.1%) adults to be
current smokers. Those living below poverty (32.4%) were
nearly three times as likely to be current smokers as those at
400% or more of poverty (11.2%) in 2012–2013.
Figure 23. Current cigarette smoking among adults aged 55–64, by selected characteristics: United States, average annual
2002–2003 and 2012–2013
Total
Sex
Men
Women
Race and Hispanic origin
White only, not Hispanic
Black only, not Hispanic
2002–2003
19.7
21.0
18.5
19.9
21.7
2012–2013
18.1
20.7
15.7
18.8
21.5
Hispanic
Percent of poverty level
Below 100%
15.9
29.6
10.1
32.4
100%–199%
27.5
26.7
200%–399%
21.2
20.3
400% or more
14.7
0 10 20 30 40 50
Percent
11.2
0 10 20 30 40 50
Percent
NOTE: See data table for Figure 23. SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Health Interview Survey. See Appendix I,
National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Excel and PowerPoint: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/hus/contents2014.htm#fig23
28 Chartbook: Special Feature on Adults Aged 55–64 Health, United States, 2014