Objective:To understand the physiological changes of senile people in reaction to smoking and drinking alcohol, and how smoking and drinking alcohol contribute to senile diseases. Methods: 6 476 subjects with ages above 60 were sampled from 18 places in Yunnan province. Physical investigation and checkup were performed. Their medical history and current health status were obtained through detailed medical examination. Results: The incidences of hypertension, chronic bronchitis, alimentary ulcer in the smoking group were higher than that in nonsmoking group. The incidence of coronary heart disease, sequelae of apoplexy, pulmonary emphysema, cholelithiasis in the drinking group were lower than that in non-drinking group. Conclusion: Smoking and drinking were harmful to health. Education about the harmful effects of smoking and drinking; methods and procedures which facilitate the quit of smoking and drinking were all necessary to promote senile people's health.
