Better late than never: the perceived benefits of smoking cessation among women in late midlife.

The current study examined the association of smoking cessation (≥1 year without relapse) and self-reported psychosocial and physical outcomes among a community sample of women (N = 195; mean age = 63.7 years, SD = 5.7 years). Data were collected in 1985-1986 and 2009. Successful smoking cessation for ≥1 year was significantly associated with each of the outcome measures (e.g., less financial stress [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.25-1.00, P< 0.05), less life dissatisfaction (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.24-1.09, P< 0.05). Findings suggest that older women should be included in smoking cessation programs, and the important benefits of quitting should be used to encourage cessation.