While much of the debate around the upcoming Tobacco & Vapes Bill is focused on restricting youth access to vapes, the introduction of restrictions or bans may inadvertently exclude older segments of the population and impact the number of older smokers switching to vapes, it has been suggested.
New research from online retailer Haypp indicates that older adults (55+) who vape do so primarily to quit cigarettes. A striking 87% said they started vaping to try and give up the habit.
This compares with 49% of 45-54-year-olds, 34% of 35-44-year-olds, 28% of 25-34-year-olds and just 18% of 18-24-year-olds - a significant difference between generations.
Over-55s are also the most likely to be positive about switching, with an overwhelming 92% saying they feel better since moving from cigarettes. More than half (55%) cite “feels healthier” as the main advantage of vaping, also the highest proportion of any age, indicating their motivation is health-driven rather than other factors such as costs or the influence of friends and family.
The were also the most likely to believe that policymakers should see vaping as a good way to quit smoking, with 45% saying they agreed with the statement compared to an average of 24%.
Older adults seem to have been largely overlooked in the policy debate, and still need accurate information about vapes and access to regulated products to enable them to consider switching from cigarettes.
Markus Lindblad (left), head of legal and external affairs at Haypp, said: “Older adults have largely been absent from the policy conversation, and this needs to change.
“Our data makes it clear just how important the experience of older adults ought to be when the Government considers the impact of the new bill. We need to address issues like youth access through targeted measures such as robust age-gating technology and strict enforcement measures. Blanket restrictions on any form of advertising can only serve to exclude older people.”
No comments yet