Are smokers contributing to the health of the Social Security System?

Question

Based on the assumption that smoking has a negative impact on one's health, and the possibility that most smokers will die earlier than they would have if they had not smoked, won't the deaths of those who do die earlier reduce the drain on funds from the Social Security System and thereby contribute to saving it from financial trouble for the benefit of others (quitters) like me?

This question came to mind a few years ago when I read a long multipage article about smoking in the Washington Post. I noticed that the number of people who smoke in the US is nearly the same as the number of people who are members of the AARP (American Association of Retired People). I had just retired at the time and as an AARP member, I chuckled at the thought that the then current number of smokers might be unknowingly contributing to saving the Social Security System for the then current number of AARP members.

PS: When I was in the throws of quitting, I found myself viewing side stream smoke as a plus rather than a negative. My wife refused to join me in my effort to quit. Later, I viewed her position as helpful. I felt that the limited side stream smoke she contributed to our environment (home) acted pretty much as a smokers patch does today. That is; giving me some nicotine, but not as much as I would inhale if I were smoking the cigarette myself. It all worked out pretty well. I've been away from the smoking habit for about 45 years now. My mother died at 30, my father at 60, and I'm 66 and planning to be a centenarian.

Answer 1

I would say so.

Answer 2

Before those people die from smoking related diseases..they put a tremendous financial strain on the system with their many expensive-to-treat,complex illnesses...whereas I may live longer and die of a suddden heart attack....I'm not using up as many resources for so long a period of time.

Answer 3

Well, yes, in a sense they are, unintentionally. I guess they help out us non-smokers - payback for putting up with the second-hand smoke.