Gambling and the Elderly Population

Gambling is a widespread social activity involving risking something of value for an uncertain outcome. It involves the exchange of money for an item of value that is based on chance and does not require creative effort or useful skills. It includes betting, fruit machines, lottery tickets, casino games and card games. A person may also place bets on horse races or sports events.

While gambling is a common pastime, it is not a necessary part of life. People can find other ways to entertain themselves, such as playing a sport or exercising. However, people who are addicted to gambling have a higher rate of suicide than those without an addiction. It is important to seek treatment if you suspect that you have an unhealthy gambling habit.

Problem gamblers often experience many of the same symptoms as those with drug or alcohol addictions. They may be secretive about their activities, lie to friends and family, hide money and credit cards, or spend time away from work or other responsibilities to gamble. They may also have compulsive behaviors, such as chasing their losses or making repeated attempts to win back lost funds. They may even become obsessed with the idea of winning and lose control over their finances, health and family life (American Psychiatric Association 2000).

People with a gambling disorder may also feel helpless, guilty or ashamed about their actions. They may have suicidal thoughts or try to hide their addiction from others. In addition, they may have difficulty concentrating or remembering things, and they may start to avoid their family and friends. They may also be unable to sleep or have problems at school or work.

Research has shown that gambling can have some positive effects on happiness, especially among the elderly population. However, this research is limited because researchers were able to measure only one variable at a time and did not consider other factors that could influence happiness, such as depression, social support and concentration. One recent study conducted in a nursing home found that residents who were given the opportunity to play a computer game involving gambling experienced higher levels of happiness than those who did not participate. The study was small and only looked at three residents, but it could be an important first step in determining the benefits of gambling for the elderly population.