Older Adults

Overview

Older adults gamble to win money, for excitement and fun, and to socialize. They also enjoy gambling to support worthy causes through tickets for charities. Gambling may be an easy and affordable activity to older adults, as they often receive perks from venues. However, older adults may be at an increased risk to develop gambling problems.

Key Points

Older adults may be at greater risk for developing problem gambling because they have more free time to gamble. Older adults may gamble to escape the stress of life transitions or relieve boredom. The consequences of gambling may also be more severe for older adults, as they are more likely to be single and have lower or fixed incomes. Thus, older adults often have no way of earning back lost money. Finally, older adults are less likely to seek treatment. If they do choose to get help, family or peer support has shown to be helpful.

White Paper

GREO's white paper, Gambling and Older Adults: What Do We Know? gives a more detailed overview of the prevalence of gambling in older adults, as well as the risks, harms, and potential benefits of older adult gambling. Recommendations for treatment providers and researchers are also included.

Search the Evidence Centre for Older Adults

Focus On: Older Adults and Problem Gambling

Given the increasing population, the popularity of gambling among this population, and the potential for significant negative impact from problem gambling, we have explored the topic in our Focus On series.  

References

McNeilly, D. P., & Burke, W. J. (2001). Gambling as a social activity of older adults. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 52(1), 19-28.

Erickson, L., Molina, C. A., Ladd, G. T., Pietrzak, R. H., & Petry, N. M. (2005). Problem and pathological gambling are associated with poorer mental and physical health in older adults. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20(8), 754-759.

McNeilly, D. P., & Burke, W. J. (2002). Disposable time and disposable income: Problem casino gambling behavior in older adults. Journal of Clinical Geropsychology, 8(2), 75-85.

Ladd, G. T., Molina, C. A., Kerins, G. J., & Petry, N. M. (2003). Gambling participation and problems among older adults. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 16(3), 172-177.