The numbers were similar for those in their 70s (27%) and even 80s (24%), though overall the statistics showed that, predictably, quitting earlier was better. "The hazardous effects of smoking persist even in oldest age," the authors conclude. In commentary published alongside the study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, a doctor suggests printing the fact that 50% of smokers will die because of their habit on cigarette packs "so that all smokers know that they are betting their lives on the toss of a coin."