Gambling isn’t just a young person’s passion. It’s a behavior that can occur throughout life, one that often has devastating impacts. Problem gambling in seniors is an under-recognized part of this pattern.
A surprising number of seniors put everything on the line with gambling, often dipping into their retirement savings along the way.
The Statistics
Gambling in seniors isn’t just a significant issue, it’s a growing one. The Problem Gambling Center in Las Vegas reports that roughly 40% of the people they see are over 50. Seniors also represent the fastest-growing group of people addicted to gambling.
One research found that 70% of people 65 and above had gambled in the prior year. 10% of those had gambled in excess of what they could afford.
The true scope of the gambling issue isn’t known, as there are limitations to the data available. Even so, it’s clear that the problem is a serious one. It’s also getting worse – especially with casinos strongly catering for seniors. Many go out of their way to entice seniors in and to get them spending money.
Why Problem Gambling in Seniors is so Common
Gambling is appealing in itself. Many people get hooked into the process, feeling that they can beat the odds and make more money than they ever lose. This is true for seniors too, but there can also be other issues at play.
The Ease of Gambling
Casinos do everything that they can to make gambling easier. They can feel like safe and comfortable environments, regardless of the weather outside. They are also handicap-accessible, something that isn’t true for many other environments.
The sounds and bright lights also make gambling appealing. This aspect alone can keep people coming back time and time again.
For that matter, many casinos target seniors specifically. They focus on making themselves highly accessible. Many casinos also provide incentives, like discount prescription cards, to help get seniors engaged.
The Social Component
Casinos can be a significant part of social life for seniors. Many communities arrange regular trips to casinos for seniors. This makes visiting easy and also means there are many like-minded people to interact with.
The pattern can be a large draw card for seniors who are already socially isolated. Ignoring casinos could also male social isolation worse, especially in communities where casinos play such a large social role.
Emotional Gambling
Gambling can often begin as the result of severe emotional trauma, such as grief. The death of a loved one can be hard at any age. Seniors may find it especially difficult if they were already isolated.
This can lead to a search for solace in other areas, such as gambling. The behavior can be a way to fill the void, but it quickly takes on a mind of its own. For some seniors, like Maureen
The same pattern can occur without grief too. Seniors may turn to gambling to escape regret, sadness, boredom and fear about the future.
Social Stigma
The social stigma of
Both types of stigma can mean that seniors hide their gambling for as long as possible.
Fear About Independence
Aging often involves a loss of independence, as seniors find that they are unable to do many of the activities that they could when they were younger. This can often make seniors stubborn, as they may hold onto the control that they do have.
Being afraid to lose independence can also mean that seniors don’t reach out for help. After all, admitting a gambling problem could easily mean that the senior has to give up some control of their finances.
It’s easy to see why a senior would be hesitant to do so. The pattern can be even more significant for seniors who don’t realize how bad their gambling issues are.
Cognitive Decline
Seniors are also more vulnerable to gambling addition. This is the same reason they are often targeted in scams. Age-related conditions can decrease the ability to effectively make decisions and to determine risk.
Helping with Problem Gambling
There are no easy solutions to problem gambling, even for seniors who recognize the problem and have plenty of family support.
The pattern can be challenging for caregivers too. Family members may hide their gambling habits, especially if they don’t live with you. Some mightn’t even see their gambling as an issue.
It’s also important to remember that gambling isn’t always an issue. Some seniors simply enjoy the experience, set a budget for themselves and stick to it. The problem is when the gambling gets out of control, especially when people are gambling more than they can afford to lose.
Warning Signs
Looking for warnings of problem gambling is a key first step. These can include:
- Irritability when the senior isn’t gambling
- Illegal or immoral behavior to find more money
- Gambling with the goal of winning back lost money
- Regularly gambling more than they had intended or can afford
- Exaggerating any wins and downplaying any losses
- Secretive about gambling
- Changes in priorities about where money is spent, including prioritizing gambling over food or bills.
Paying attention to such signs is important. Gambling isn’t a problem in every situation and your family member has the right to determine how they spend their money.
Potential Approaches
Talking to your family member about finances can be a good place to start. Going gently is an important aspect of doing so. The topic of finances is often a sensitive one and some resistance can be expected. It may help to focus on the idea that you’re not going to judge or try to control the senior.
Just remember that talking about gambling is often difficult and may not be effective. Many people will take the conversation personally and feel like you are attacking them.
Talking to a healthcare provider is also a key step.
This can help to determine if there are any contributing medical problems. For example, some medications can influence impulse control, which could increase the risk of problem gambling in seniors.
You can also look for alternative activities. For example, many computer games can provide some of the machine-based stimulation that people experience with gambling. These typically provide mental stimulation as well.
Local activities are another approach. These can be a source of social engagement.
Finally, you may need to talk to a financial adviser or even a lawyer. There may be some cases where your family member cannot safely manage their own finances.
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