More than 45 years old and you smoke?
Diving is an incredible and exhilarating experience that many people enjoy, but as we age and our bodies change, diving can become more challenging. For a SCUBA diver over the age of 45 who also smokes, the risks and considerations for diving are even greater. As we age, our bodies go through natural changes that can impact our ability to dive. For example, our lung capacity decreases, making it harder to breathe underwater. This can make diving more difficult, especially for smokers, who already have a reduced lung capacity due to the damage caused by smoking. Smoking can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which can make diving more dangerous. Divers with cardiovascular disease are at a higher risk of developing a dive-related illness, such as decompression sickness. This can cause a range of symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and even paralysis. Despite these risks, many divers over the age of 45 and smokers continue to dive safely and enjoy the experience. Howev...