1.5.1 Latest estimates of prevalence among middle-aged and older adults
The 2022–23 National Drug Strategy Household Survey examined smoking prevalence among adults aged 40 years and over.1 As noted in the preceding section, people aged under 40 years are generally more likely to smoke than those in older age groups. Table 1.5.1 shows the smoking status of middle-aged and older adults in 2022–23.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics also collects data on smoking status among Australians aged 15 years and over. In 2022, the prevalence of daily smoking among 35–44 year olds was 10.9%, and 12.1% currently smoked (i.e., smoked daily, weekly, or less than weekly). Among 45–54 year olds, 13.8% smoked daily and 15.4% smoked currently. Among 55–64 year olds 14.9% smoked daily and 16.0% smoked currently, and among those aged 65+ 6.3% smoked daily and 7.1% smoked currently.2
1.5.2 Trends in smoking prevalence among middle-aged and older adults
Consistent with smoking patterns from 2001 onward, data from the AIHW’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey suggests that in 2022–23, middle-aged (40–59 years) and older (60+ years) men were more likely to have smoked at some time in their lives (that is, to currently smoke or to have previously smoked and quit) than men aged under 40 years. Patterns among women, however, have varied over time. In earlier survey years, middle-aged women were generally more likely to have ever smoked than younger women (aged under 40 years), while older women were less likely than women under 40 years to have ever smoked. From 2013 onwards, both middle-aged and older women were more likely to have ever smoked than women under the age of 40.
Decreasing smoking rates among the older population reflect increased quitting activity, with older age groups having the highest quit proportions (defined as the proportion of ever smokers who have quit smoking).3 However, tobacco-caused death and illness occurring among smokers in older age groups are also significant factors in the declining smoking rates seen in the older population, with the greatest proportion of burden of disease due to smoking affecting those aged 55–75 years.4
Table 1.5.2 and Figure 1.5.1 show smoking prevalence among middle-aged and older adults since 2001. Between 2019 and 2022–23, there were significant declines in regular smoking among Australians aged 40–49 and 50–59, but no change among the older age groups (controlling for gender). The same pattern was seen when examining smoking prevalence among men and women individually.3
Related reading
Test your knowledge
References
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2022–2023. Canberra: AIHW, 2024. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey. 2022. Available from: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/2022
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. National Drug Strategy Household Survey, 2022-2023. ADA Dataverse, 2024. Available from: https://doi.org/10.26193/U6LY7H.
4. Begg S, Vos T, Barker B, Stevenson C, Stanley L, et al. The burden of disease and injury in Australia 2003. PHE 82. Canberra: Australian Institute for Health and Welfare, 2007. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/burden-of-disease-injury-australia-2003/contents/table-of-contents