Gambling Problems Among Seniors in the USA

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Gambling Problems Among Seniors in the U.S.A
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Rise of Gambling Problems among Seniors

• Gambling a Growing Addition Among Seniors

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Surprisingly, gambling addictions among senior
citizens are on the rise. In severe cases,
seniors can end up in serious financial trouble
unless a family member or live-in home care in La
Mesa is providing 24/7 monitoring. If you have
the responsibility of looking after an aging
adult, it is very important that you recognize
the common signs of a potential gambling problem.
The new face of problem gambling in America has
become a senior woman who has lost a spouse or
become alienated from her children, but has
embraced slot machines and quite rapidly develops
an addiction, says Keith Whyte, executive
director of the National Council on Problem
Gambling (Fulton, Mary Lou. "Gambling a Growing
Addition Among Seniors - AARP VIVA - AARP."
AARP.N. p., 2009. Web.).
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Reasons for the Rise in Senior Gambling

• Over the last 40 years, the number of senior
  citizens who gamble has increased by 30 percent.
  In total, about half of the senior citizens in
  America participate in some form of gambling.
  There are a number of reasons why older adults
  are susceptible to gambling problems. Boredom is
  a common complaint among seniors. Not only does
  gambling fulfill their need for entertainment,
  but it also gives them the opportunity to
  socialize with others. Gambling is very prevalent
  among seniors who are mourning the loss of close
  friend or family member.

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Red Flags that Indicate a Potential Gambling
Problem

• Older adults who have a gambling problem will
  gradually begin to suffer financial loss. If they
  are unable to pay their monthly bills on time,
  this is a key indication of a gambling issue. In
  an effort to support their gambling habits, some
  older adults may decide to take out a loan. You
  may also notice that certain valuable assets are
  missing from the home. If your aging parent
  becomes defensive or secretive about their
  spending habits, it might be time to seek
  professional help.

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Common forms of gambling

• Some of the common gambling events that are
  frequented by seniors include bingo, horse
  racing, sports betting, and card games. Many
  retirees also begin to play the state lottery. A
  better substitute that still allows for fun and
  socialization might be fun games at the local
  senior center that dont involve monetary
  wagering.

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How to stop a gambling addiction

• There are many ways to help a senior who is
  struggling with a gambling addiction. As
  mentioned, one of the major triggers is boredom
  and isolation.

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Do Not Drown Your Hardly Earned Money in Gambling
even if you are living your golden years
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• Spend as much time with your aging loved one as
  possible or consider hiring a full-time or
  part-time home caregiver in La Mesa who is able
  to provide companionship and social stimulation.
  We also recommend trying the National Council on
  Problem Gamblings 24 hour confidential hotline
  at 1-800-522-4700.If youre interested in
  seeking in-home help for your aging loved one,
  call Home Care La Mesa. Wed be happy to set up
  an in-home consultation to discuss how we can
  help your aging loved one live a full, balanced
  and healthy life.

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Its Best To Not Gamble

• One can only understand the risks of gambling
  after playing and when loosing it becomes an
  addiction. Its better to not taste it, gambling
  lust wont go that easy.