Kathryn George/Stuff
New Zealand Health Survey data shows daily smoking rates are decreasing, but remain highest in those aged 45-64.
Middle-aged Kiwis are some of the country’s heaviest smokers with some of the lowest quit rates, smokefree advocates say.
More than two-thirds of smokers are over 35, and many are likely long-term, dependent smokers, Action for Smokefree 2025 (Ash) director Ben Youdan said.
“This is the generation facing smoking-related illness in the next 10–15 years.”
Youdan said while we have been “incredibly successful” preventing youth smoking, the median age of smokers has risen from a median age of 25 to 35.
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