Final answer:
Mr. Smith, given his age and physical impairments, should be recommended to avoid smoking due to the health and safety risks it poses to himself and potentially others around him. Instead, alternative safer pastimes should be explored.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given Mr. Smith's age and physical impairments, it is important to consider both his health and safety when it comes to smoking. At 89 years old, with the use of a hearing aide and dentures, and the propensity to drop things, Mr. Smith is at a higher risk of accidents while smoking. Moreover, the health risks associated with smoking are particularly severe for someone of his age, as smoking can lead to a plethora of health issues, including but not limited to, respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and an increased risk for various cancers.
Furthermore, as illustrated in the referenced passages, smoking can also be socially disruptive and hazardous to others, as seen when McTeague's pipe smoking irks Marcus. The hazards of smoking outdoors in extreme conditions are also underscored in the excerpt involving the character with the 'crystal beard' of frozen tobacco juice. These examples underline the fact that smoking poses diverse risks.
Therefore, with respect to Mr. Smith's impaired condition and the inherent dangers of smoking, it would be recommended to avoid smoking altogether. Alternative means of coping or habits that do not involve smoking, such as Old Grannis's non-smoking pastime, might be more suitable and should be explored for the benefit of Mr. Smith's health and safety.