I recommend to patients over age 50thst they consider doing Pap smears every three years. If they are over age 65 with no history of cervical cancer can stop having Pap smears. Women without a cervix and no previous history of cervical cancer can stop having Pap smears done following a hysterectomy. So, to answer your question, I would advise a 73 year old woman in good health with no prior history of cervical cancer and low risk factors for STD infection to stop having Pap smears.