Seniors who quit: Real stories of courage and change

A cigarette between fingers. A beedi rolled with habit. A pipe puffed in silence.

For many seniors across India, tobacco has been more than just an addiction. It has been a quiet companion through solitude, a coping mechanism during difficult years, and for some, a symbol of familiarity in an ever-changing world. It was never just about the nicotine. It was about memory. Routine. Identity.

They say change is hardest after a certain age. That once you settle into life’s rhythm, you should stay put. But what happens when that rhythm no longer feels right? What happens when someone in their 60s, 70s, or even 80s decides that this is not how I want the next chapter to look?

At Ashiana Housing’s senior living communities, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing something rare and quietly revolutionary: seniors choosing to quit tobacco after decades of use: not out of fear, not out of obligation, but from a place of deep self-awareness, strength, and readiness.

The Stories Behind the Strength


We’ve met inspiring residents like Mr. Mirchandani, now in his early-70s, who lit his first cigarette back in college and never imagined quitting. That changed after he moved to Ashiana.

“It all began with the morning walks,” he shared. “I started enjoying the fresh air again—though my lungs didn’t. Then came badminton, laughter yoga… I was breathless, but also felt something I hadn’t in years—motivation.”

Seniors who quit: Real stories of courage and change

The Ashiana Difference: Active Living, Gentle Nudges


So, what exactly helped these seniors make such a monumental shift?

It wasn’t just a health awareness campaign or a moment of resolve. It was the environment, one that slowly, steadily nurtures vitality.

At Ashiana, active senior living is more than a checklist. It’s a lifestyle. From morning walks with neighbours to hobby circles that turn into friendships, from yoga and tai chi to quiz nights and drama rehearsals, every activity is an invitation to connect, with others and with oneself.

Tobacco, in that environment, simply starts losing its place. It becomes harder to justify lighting up when your day is filled with shared laughter, a badminton match you want to win, or a painting workshop you don’t want to miss.

Health camps, emotional wellness talks, and gentle peer encouragement all add up. Importantly, there’s no shaming. No pressure. Just quiet reminders: You’re valued. You belong. And you can always choose better.

Jashn has played a subtle but powerful role in this change. It’s not just a festival but a reminder. that life can still surprise you at any age. That community can re-ignite creativity. That ageing doesn’t mean decline; it can mean discovery.

When seniors see themselves celebrated, not sidelined, they begin to believe again in new beginnings.

More Than Quitting: It’s About Reclaiming Life


When a 70-year-old chooses to quit tobacco, it’s not just about breaking a habit. It’s about reclaiming agency.

It’s about saying: I still matter. I can still choose how my story goes.

At Ashiana, we’ve seen that when seniors are surrounded by the right environment, they don’t need to be pushed, they’re naturally pulled towards better living. And perhaps nothing embodies this spirit more beautifully than Jashn, where every performance, every conversation, every smile is a declaration: I’m not done. I’m just getting started.

These are not stories of quitting. These are stories of choosing. Choosing vitality over routine. Choosing joy over dependency. Choosing self-respect over resignation.

Change Has No Expiry Date


We often underestimate what seniors are capable of: emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But they are capable of immense reinvention. They just need the space to breathe, to try, to feel inspired again.

At Ashiana, we don’t just offer homes but the possibility of becoming, no matter your age.

So whether it’s through a dance at Jashn, a morning of laughter therapy, or a quiet moment of realisation on a community bench: the message is clear:
“You’re never too old to choose yourself.”

Don't forget to share this valuable article with others

Is it really possible for seniors to quit tobacco after decades of use?

Yes, absolutely. Many seniors at Ashiana have successfully quit tobacco, even after 30–50 years of use. With the right environment, emotional support, and meaningful engagement, change becomes not only possible but deeply empowering.

Ashiana focuses on creating a nurturing ecosystem through active living, peer encouragement, wellness programs, and recreational activities. There are no forced interventions — just a positive, health-focused lifestyle that naturally encourages better choices.

Jashn is more than a cultural fest — it’s a celebration of life, talent, and potential at any age. For many seniors, performing, creating, and being seen reignites their sense of identity and purpose, which often leads to healthier habits and personal transformations.

Yes, Ashiana communities host regular health check-ups, emotional wellness talks, and access to visiting counselors. While quitting tobacco is ultimately a personal decision, the infrastructure ensures that support is available if and when seniors choose to seek it.

There is no judgment or pressure at Ashiana. The environment is rooted in empathy and shared growth. Seniors support each other’s journeys, and any change, small or big, is celebrated. It’s not about perfection, but about progress.

About The Author

Ashiana, Ashiana Housing build homes. Homes surrounded by vast green spaces and fresh breeze. Homes cocooned in secured gated complexes. Homes where futures are forged and there are opportunities to grow. And Homes in environments brimming with healthy activity, trust and respect. At heart, we build communities with care.

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