Smoking in 2023

[TommyNever]

Watching the movie Aliens from 1986, which is set in the distant future. Rather jarring to see some characters smoking. Surely in 1986 they realised that people wouldn't be smoking in the distant future.

Fast forward to 2023, and I must admit I personally know two smokers, both middle-aged women who have had multiple attempts to give up, but failed.

How about Mumsnet posters? How many are still smoking, and is it true that women find it harder to quit than men?

I am still smoking and I get through a pack a day, so does my husband too. I would find it very hard to quit.

Of course smoking is expensive, but it is one of my pleasures in life.

I was only small in the 80s but every single person in my family smoked. Both parents, all grandparents, all aunts and uncles etc. Back then you could smoke in restaurants, bars, offices, public transport etc. All my family smoked in their houses. So I don't see why film producers would predict that no one would smoke at all in the future? If it was filmed in 2000+ I'd maybe agree. If anything it would have given more of a sense of realism to the audience watching at the time.

I also smoked for 20 years (quit 3 years ago), but even now if I was going on a potential death space mission where there was bugger all to do and with a constant risk to life I'd definitely be taking 500 packs with me! And if it's predicted tomorrow that the world is about to end I'm straight down the shops to buy some.

I smoked for a couple of decades and finally kicked it in my late 30s which was a while ago now 😬 Of my old smoking buddies, I only know one who still smokes every day (and he’s pushing 60 so really shouldn’t!) Some of the others will smoke a bit if they’re on holiday or a big night out but not day to day.

It is striking to me how many of us youngsters smoked in the 90s, compared to young people today. I can’t think of any of my teen DC’s friends that smoke, though quite a lot of them vape.

Vaping is a good point actually. I doubt film makers could have predicted everyone would be sucking on clouds of sweet smelling fumes instead! So while people may not smoke as much these days vaping has taken over instead.

I've never smoked and neither have my parents. The only people I know who smoke are middle aged and over. My aunt and uncle both smoke still, they are 60. My grandfather was a lifelong smoker but he quit about 5 years ago as he developed COPD.

None of my friends smoke (we are in our early 30s) a lot of younger people vape now rather than smoke cigarettes.