Erickson L, Molina CA, Ladd GT, Pietrzak RH, Petry NM. Problem and pathological gambling are associated with poorer mental and physical health in older adults. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2005 Aug;20(8):754-9.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and correlates of problem and pathological gambling in older adults.


METHODS: Adults (n = 343) aged 60 years and older attending senior centers, bingo sites and other community activities completed a screening form containing the South Oaks Gambling Screen and the Short Form-12 Health Survey, to evaluate physical and mental health.

RESULTS: Overall, 6.4% of the respondents were classified as problem gamblers and an additional 3.8% as pathological gamblers. Problem and pathological gamblers evidenced significantly greater physical and mental health problems than non-problem gamblers.

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that about 10 percent of active older adults experience gambling problems, which are associated with poor physical and mental health. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.