Researchers from the University of Toronto found that people who quit smoking before age 40 can live as long as non-smokers. Research results published In NEJM Evidence.
The observational study included 1.5 million adult smokers and non-smokers from four countries (USA, UK, Canada and Norway). After obtaining information about the health status of the volunteers, scientists calculated that smokers between the ages of 40 and 79 have almost three times the risk of premature death compared to people who do not have this bad habit. It is also stated that the average lifespan of smokers is 12-13 years shorter.
After the 15-year observation phase of the participants was completed, it was revealed that the risk of death from various causes was reduced by 1.3 times in those who quit smoking. In general, quitting smoking at any age was associated with longer survival.
Researchers also found that people who quit this bad habit before age 40 have the same potential life expectancy as non-smokers. It is noted that the positive effect of quitting smoking occurs quite quickly. You need to be smoke-free for three years to regain about half of your estimated lost life years.
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