Gambling and OLDER ADULTS

As a group, older adults are the fastest-growing age group and gambling more than ever. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission found that American seniors who recently gambled jumped from 20% in 1974 to 50% in 1998, a surge unmatched by any other age group. The increase likely is due at least in part to an increase of slot machines and lotteries, heavy marketing to the age group and cheap trips to casinos offered by senior centers, retirement facilities and churches.  

For older adults, gambling is a source of entertainment. It is a chance to be with others in an exciting environment, "cut loose" for awhile, have some fun and perhaps, to win some money. For many, it is a way to let go of day to day stress. Most older adults who gamble do so reasonably and continue to take care of their financial, health, and social obligations. Evidence is starting to emerge that some of this population is getting into gambling trouble.  

Some older adults do not fare so well and, for them, gambling becomes a losing enterprise. Gambling can become the only way they believe they can find escape from life's difficulties. Gambling comes to occupy increasing amounts of time and attention. They continue to gamble despite significant losses in an attempt to win back what has been lost. Some may seek loans from family members or sell their assets to cover losses and pay for normal household expenses. They can become embarrassed about their gambling, avoid friends and family, or not tell the truth when asked, "What is going on?" Some become anxious and/or depressed and experience a decline in physical health. A study released in 2004 by the University of Pennsylvania showed that 11 percent of the approximately 800 seniors interviewed make large bets or bet far more than they can afford (Levens, Dyer, Zubritsky, Knott, Oslin, “An Important Public Health Concern,” American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Jan. 2005.).  

Older adults are, perhaps, more vulnerable than other age groups. Gambling among older adults has its unique differences from other age groups (Elder Health Tips, Spring 2001, MA Department of Public Health):

	Older adults are often facing life transitions and losses, such as a death, end of a career, and/or isolation from friends and family
	Older adults do not have sufficient working years left to make up their losses should they gamble away retirement money
	Older Adults may not truly understand addiction and thus are less likely to identify a gambling problem within themselves or others
	Older Adults often hide their gambling from others and rarely would seek out help from health/mental health professionals due to the stigma attached
	Older Adults have a higher risk of having as cognitive impairment which may impact their ability to make sound judgments

The following are some tips for supporting older adults at risk for problem or compulsive gambling (“Older Adults and Gambling”, July 2006, Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand):

	Encourage help seeking behaviors and use of counseling, decreasing the stigma attached to seeking help
	Provide information through public education to demonstrate how gambling becomes a problem and where one can seek help
	Empower older adults in our society – making seniors feel an integral part of their communities
	Replace casino visits as a social activity, substituting other group activities providing social networking
	Establish more support groups for older adults as an opportunity for them to share issues/problems in a safe environment

Older Adults concerned about their own gambling behavior or that of someone they care about can call the Problem Gambling Helpline, a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential service that offers information and referral service.