Problem and pathological gambling are associated with poorer mental and physical health in older adults

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.