Supporting Older Adults to Make Healthy Gambling Choices
As we age, we look for ways to enjoy life, stay active, and connect with others. Whether at a casino, online, or playing the lottery, many older adults are gambling as a fun way to pass the time. In fact, about 80% of older gamblers say they are just looking for entertainment and enjoyment (Morgane, 2019).
However, gambling can sometimes become more than just fun. It’s important to understand why some older adults gamble, and how we can support them in making healthy choices.
Why Do Older Adults Gamble?
There are many reasons people gamble in their later years. Some enjoy the thrill of the game or the social setting. But for others, it’s a way to escape problems. 38% of older gamblers use gambling to distract themselves from everyday worries (Morgane, 2019). These worries include health issues, money stress, loneliness, or boredom.
It’s also important to know that older adults make up a big part of the gambling crowd. Between 39% to 45% of casino users are over the age of 65 (Morgane, 2019). This means that older people are an important group to support when it comes to safe gambling habits.
When Does Gambling Become a Problem?
While many older adults gamble without issues, gambling can become a problem when it’s used to cope with deeper struggles. Problem gambling is often linked to other health concerns like alcohol or drug use, depression, anxiety, or certain personality disorders (Morgane, 2019). If left unchecked, gambling can lead to serious consequences, like money troubles, broken relationships, or worsening mental health.
How Can We Help?
There are many ways we can support older adults:
- Encourage Balance:
Help them see gambling as just one of many fun activities. Activities can include going for walks, doing crafts, or joining a social group. Keeping busy in other ways can reduce boredom and the urge to gamble too much. - Talk Openly:
Having friendly conversations about gambling can make a big difference. Ask how often they gamble and why. If they mention stress, sadness, or loneliness, offer support or suggest other ways to feel better. Learn aobut their social groups and see if gambling is a normal, regular activity (Mazar et al., 2018). - Set Limits:
Encourage setting time and money limits before gambling. Once those limits are reached, it’s time to stop. This keeps gambling from becoming harmful. - Look for Signs:
Watch for changes like mood swings, secrecy about money, or gambling more often than usual. These can be signs of a problem. - Share Resources:
If gambling starts to cause problems, help them connect with support services. There are many programs that offer free help for older adults and their families.
As a high-risk population, we need to stay informed and supportive (OASAS, 2020). We can help our aging loved ones make healthy choices and enjoy life to the fullest. A little care and conversation can go a long way in preventing gambling from turning into a serious issue.
Are There Support Services?
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.