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Seniors
For many seniors, gambling is an escape from boredom brought about by an increase of unstructured time after retirement or following the death of a spouse or other loved one. For many, their social network may not be large enough to draw the necessary support. In 2005, there will be approximately 11 million Americans ages 65 and older living alone and by the year 2020, this number will increase to 15 million. As a result, many elders may turn to gambling, not only as a social and entertainment activity, but also as a means of trying to deal with the loss, the grief and the time. However, gambling is not a risk-free activity, particularly among this population.
Florida has a larger proportion of residents over the age of 50 and a higher percentage of persons who are widowed, in comparison to other states. Further, according to an FCCG statewide gambling prevalence study among older adults, more than 650,000 older adults in Florida report having a problem due to gambling. In fact, a growing percentage of Florida's older adult and retired community are developing serious gambling problems. And they are doing so at a time in their lives when recouping financial losses can be very difficult, if not impossible. Presently, the opportunities for older adults to gamble are virtually endless and those who aren't able to go out to gamble still have access via a computer and the Internet. Click here for more information.
The FCCG collaborates with state and local organizations servicing older adults. In addition to prevention, education and outreach activities, ranging from billboards, public service announcements and videos, the FCCG organized and hosted the nation's first "Think Tank on Older Adults and Gambling," at the University of Florida in cooperation with the University of Florida and University of Miami. The FCCG report, "Seniors at Risk," is intended to serve as a guide to the FCCG, as well as organizations throughout Florida and the nation that furnish services and supports to elders. In addition to providing age-specific insight regarding gambling impacts, the report supplies realistic strategic goals, objectives, timeframes and approaches for curtailing the growth of problematic gambling among this population. Click here for more information.
Also, as adult children and grandchildren of older adults are often reluctant to advise a parent or grandparent on how to spend their time and money and are unsure of how to confront a loved one with a gambling problem, the FCCG's trained Specialists can provide the necessary assistance. For referral assistance among this population, call the FCCG HelpLine and to determine whether you or someone you know is experiencing gambling related difficulties, check out the following warning signs.
To increase awareness about gambling among elders, the FCCG has developed a brochure in English, Spanish and Creole, "Gambling Away Your Retirement: Older Adults and Gambling". (Brochures: English - Spanish - Creole) The agency has also produced two short videos: "Seniors and Gambling," featuring problem gamblers sharing their stories and the effects as presented by treatment professionals. The other, "The Road Back" takes viewers through the lives of a longtime married couple where the husband's onset of gambling upon retirement has had long-term effects on the relationship and family. Both videos also reveal the positive impacts of recovery among seniors. Click here to view a clip of "The Road Back" video. (Windows Media Player Required)
In 2004, the FCCG will be completing an evaluation of alternative recreational activities that seniors can access in Florida. The study results will be posted on this website upon completion. Finally, the agency offers a quarterly newsletter, geared specifically to the senior population. Click here to view the newsletter.
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