Seniors and Gambling: A Hidden Problem?
Seniors and Gambling: A Hidden Problem? is Community Link's report on their NSGF Community Project, "Seniors and Gambling". The report explores whether gambling is considered a serious issue for seniors in Nova Scotia. Three methods were used to gain information: a survey to senior leaders and senior-serving organizations, focus groups of seniors, and a review of the literature related to seniors and gambling.
Seniors Who Gamble: A Summary Review of the Literature
This 2003 article provides commentary on key themes applicable to literature about gambling among the elderly. Themes include demographics of seniors who gamble, the factors that influence seniors' gambling behaviour, consequences of seniors' gambling behaviour, and the marketing strategies that target seniors.
Wheels of Fate Aren't Always Kind to SeniorsThis article, from the Globe and Mail's series on problem gambling, questions the practice of subsidizing commercial buses to bring seniors to casinos.
In 2003, the Problem Gambling Research Group at the University of Windsor recognized a need for a gambling screen that reflects the gambling experiences and life situations of older adults (individuals 55 years and older). This initial report reflects the development of the Windsor Problem Gambling Screen for older adults.
This 2004 study evaluates the characteristics and prevalence of gambling and problem gambling among older adults in Ontario, and examines factors related to problem gambling. Part of a larger prevalence study, the report discusses the implications of these findings for addressing gambling problemgs among older adults.
Correlates of gambling-related problems among older adults in Ontario
Although the literature suggests that gambling among older adults is influenced by unique age-related factors, there is little information on the
factors associated with the experience of gambling-related problems among older adults. The purpose of this study was to identify the sociodemographic health determinants and mental health-related problems, including alcohol and drug dependence, that are associated with the experience of gambling problems among older adults in Ontario.
Bingo is a common activity for Canadian seniots. This 2002 Albertan study examines the social and health characteristics of elders who play bingo to understand the lifestyle patterns, personal meaning of, and motivation for, regular bingo playing.
Betting on Older Adults Manual: A Problem Gambling Prevention Clinical Manual For Service Providers
This manual is a resource for individuals, professionals, and service providers who work with seniors with gambling problems, and/or their families and significant others. The manual aims to increase the comfort level pertaining to prevention of problem gambling among older adults, increase levels of knowledge about the connection between older adults and gambling, improve skills to better communicate with the senior populations, and increase knowledge of retirement and well-being for older adults.
Gambling Away the Golden Years: Senior Problem Gambling Educational Kit
Available for purchase, this kit aims to prevent gambling problems among the senior population by exploring the possible transformation of gambling from a form of recreation to addiction, particularly during retirement years. This kit contains copies of the booklet Gambling Away the Golden Years, and includes a ten minute video intended for use within treatment settings, senior facilities, public education settings, and for the education of health care providers.
Blowing Your Retirement on Gambling?
This brochure, aimed specifically at the senior population, presents indicators of a gambling problem and offers ten rules for responsible gambling
Responding to Older Adults with Substance Use, Mental Health and Gambling Challenges
This concise booklet is designed to help professionals recognize and understand gambling, mental health and substance-use problems among the population of older adults. The guide includes suggestions on how to talk to older adults about these issues, facts about the aging process, and discussion of diversity issues. It encourages professionals to respond to seniors in ways that promote rapport, reduce harm, and provide access to specialized care.
This article examines the unique motives behind gambling, the fact that seniors now represent the fastest growing group of internet users, and examines the shame experienced by older populations after losing what they have worked their entire lives for….financial security.
It’s Only a Game: An Older Person’s Guide to Low-Risk Gambling
While the prevalence rate for problem gambling among the older adult population is low, the consequences of gambling problems tend to be much more severe. This brochure is designed to increase older adults’ awareness of the signs of problem gambling, and offers tips to keep gambling safe.
Older Adults and Gambling
A brochure produced by the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand examining such areas as: the relationship between older populations, perceptions of inadequacy and the risk of problem gambling, the situation of older female problem gamblers, and recommended interventions to address the issue of problem gambling among older individuals.
In Search of a Balance Educational Kit
Available for purchase, this educational kit explores the feelings of senior problem gamblers, outlines some of the indicators of a problem, and explores the path to recovery. Equipped with a video and a workbook, the kit is designed to increase awareness and understanding of this issue among all levels of helping professionals.
Gamble Scramble: Experiences of Affected Older People
A series of crossword and word search games designed to increase awareness of the many ways in which older adults are affected by a loved one’s gambling.
