Gambling Addictions Rising Among Senior Citizens

The legalization of gambling in many states has not only provided additional entertainment for some, it has also added both financial and health concerns for society and individuals.  Studies have shown that casino gambling is one of the fastest growing entertainment industries nationwide with Americans wagering more than $551 billion annually. Forty years ago, the prevalence of gambling addictions was most common among the younger generations; however, with the opening of casinos in various states, the Baby Boomers have grown along with the industry and are among the most common casino dwellers.

Senior citizens, ages 65 and older, account for a large percentage of the people who participate in gambling activities across the country. One study found that the number of seniors who gamble has more than doubled since the mid-1970s. This increase in gamblers suggests a concurrent increase in problem gamblers, especially among senior citizens.

Pathological gambling has only recently been reported among the elderly, who are considered a vulnerable population for risky behaviors. Because senior citizens often struggle with loneliness and depression, they are particularly at risk for participating in addictive behaviors such as gambling (as well as drug and alcohol abuse). Furthermore, people – again, especially senior citizens – with increased mental health issues and poor physical health have also been associated with problem gambling behaviors.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Health has been designated as the lead agency under Act 1 of 2010 to manage the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Program. Its main charge is public awareness, training, and prevention of compulsive and problem gambling. At the local level, Crawford County has seen a small increase in the number of addicted gamblers through the Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Commission (CCDAC). Because of their concerns, CCDAC has certified two of its counselors as gambling addiction specialists.  While it may appear that the blame for the increased cases could point toward the recently constructed Erie County casino, CCDAC notes that gambling addictions are not limited to casino goers.  Many opportunities for gambling exist in the form of what may seem to be socially acceptable and family-oriented fun including the PA lottery, BINGO, raffles, and other small games of chance.  In Crawford County alone, 34 geographically diverse locations offer BINGO on a regular basis, 74 offer general games of chance, 13 provide limited occasional games of chance, 11 operate special raffles, and 63 places sell state lottery tickets. So, the opportunities to participate in such gaming are widely available.

In many instances, gambling or participating in similar activities can be quite harmless.  This has been shown to be true as one study, performed in 2002, found that public and media outcry against gambling has blown the risk of addiction out of proportion. According to this particular study, casino visits or small games of chance participation occurred because of the social benefits of being with others – as if for a night out with the gang. Those attending such events were far from addicted to the games.

Regardless of a person’s perceived risk or their actual danger of becoming a problem gambler, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board indicates that older adults have more threats aimed at them that could easily push them into addictive behaviors. For example, senior citizens suffer more losses and face more life transitions such as declining health than the general population, making them more vulnerable to desperate or self-destructive behaviors. Also, older adults may not understand addiction and are less likely to identify themselves as having any gambling problems; therefore, they continue their risky actions. Many older adults have easier access to gambling than their younger counterparts and are drawn to the casinos or BINGO halls to feel more wanted and less lonely. Last, some older adults may have cognitive impairments that interfere with their ability to make sound decisions; hence, they believe their financial risk is a solid pecuniary investment.

The Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania is working to address the problem of gambling addiction across all generations through a three-year pilot program called Smart Choices. Through this program, students are taught the difference between games of skill and games of chance and why games of chance (i.e. gambling) can often lead toward other unhealthy choices such as smoking and alcohol abuse.

Again, not all who participate in small games of chance or visit Las Vegas are prone to a lifetime of addiction. If you question your own participation, the state encourages you to take their online, fully anonymous quiz that will assist you in determining your own risk or current status as a problem gambler. Simply visit www.paproblemgambling.com and click on the “At Risk Quiz.”

References:

Crawford County Drug and Alcohol Commission. (2011). Personal communications on April 5, 2011.

Hope, J. & Havir, L. (2002). You bet they’re having fun! Older Americans and casino gambling. Journal of Aging Studies, 16, 177-197.

Krisberg, K. (2011). Pennsylvania turns to public health to help problem gamblers. The Nation’s Health, April 2011, 11.

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. (2011). Retrieved April 5, 2011 from http://www.pgcb.state.pa.us/?p=66.

Pennsylvania Problem Gambling. (2011). Retrieved April 5, 2011 from http://www.paproblemgambling.com.

Zaranek, R. R. & Lichtenberg, P. A. (2008). Urban elders and casino gambling: Are they at risk of a gambling problem? Journal of Aging Studies, 22(1), 13-23.

Go Ahead, Eat That Chocolate Easter Bunny

Easter baskets across the nation will be stuffed this weekend with colorful jelly beans, skillfully decorated hard-boiled eggs, and the all-famous solid (or hollow) chocolate Easter bunny. As you wake up Sunday morning, your eyes will undoubtedly focus on that large chocolate rabbit peaking out of from its nest of iridescent pink, yellow, or green straw. While the chocolate bunny beckons you with its wide daunting, abnormally bright pink eyes, you think this critter is likely the unhealthiest treat in the basket. Yet, you’d be surprised to find out that your edible mammal may actually contain the most health benefits of your entire candy stash.

Studies over the years have shown that a daily dose of chocolate can support cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Even the 2010 Dietary Guidelines reported a strong link between consuming dark chocolate and heart health benefits. Chocolate is made out of cocoa, which is a significant source of polyphenols. Polyphenols are classified as antioxidents, which are known to remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are chemicals that have been linked to cell and tissue damage. Because of the benefits of polyphenols, this particular element has been studied in great detail along with the foods that contain it – including the ever-popular and often craved chocolate delicacy.

While these studies have found that chocolate in general offers positive health benefits, they also have identified certain types of chocolate that are better than others. Dark chocolate has the highest cocoa content of all the options. This means that it also contains the highest percentage of polyphenols of the available chocolates. Recent research results revealed that those with hypertension experienced a drop of 2.5 to 4.5 points in their blood pressure by eating small amounts of dark chocolate every day for two to 18 weeks. According to this study, that reduction in hypertension corresponded to a 10 percent reduction in the risk of stroke deaths.

Another study found that Native Americans have long used chocolate for its health benefits, and today’s chocolate studies unveiled scientific evidence of those positive effects. For example, chocolate has been used by early Americans to treat coughs because it suppresses vagal activity, which causes the coughing. Today’s research came to the same conclusion. Cocoa has also been used for skin problems in the form of cocoa butter; however, recent studies have also shown that eating chocolate can improve skin quality as well as reduce wrinkles. Eating chocolate has also been associated with reducing bacteria in the mouth, improving dental health. And, chocolate may stimulate urine flow to assist with kidney function and may promote digestion to reduce diarrhea or constipation.

Furthermore, many people believe that eating chocolate can produce a positive sensation that can act as an antidepressant, causing feelings of bliss and an increased libido. Again, studies have found scientific proof that this truly is one of the positive effects of consuming chocolate.

While that shiny chocolate bunny may now sound like the perfect health food for more than just Easter Sunday munching, researchers and health care professionals warn about abusing the delicacy.  Chocolate is high in calories and holds a substantial amount of sugar and fat. A small serving of dark chocolate (1.4 ounces) contains 220 calories with 11 grams of sugar. Furthermore, chocolate contains a significant amount of caffeine, and the darker the chocolate, the higher the caffeine content. For example, milk chocolate contains about 7 mg of caffeine whereas dark chocolate offers 18 mgs of the drug.

Still craving your pink-eyed chocolate rabbit? Research states that there truly are significant health benefits to chocolate, but only in small quantities over time. So, have your chocolate bunny treat, but spread the decadent delight over the course of several days. You’ll not only reduce the number of extra calories (especially from fat and sugar) that you’ll ingest but you’ll be able to cash in on these various health benefits.

Reference

Lippi, D. (2010). Editorial: Chocolate in health and disease. Maturitas, 67, 195-196.

Moll, J. (2011). Polyphenols. Retrieved April 11, 2011 from http://cholesterol.about.com/od/cholesterolnutrition101/g/polyphenol.htm.

Research News. (2011). Dark chocolate in small amounts offers healthy indulgence. Environmental Nutrition, February, 3.

Rimbach, G., Egert, S., & de Pascual-Teresa, S. (2011). Chocolate: (un)healthy source of polyphenols? Genes Nutrition, 6, 1-3.

Winston, J. C. (2010). Chocolate. Is it really a health food? Vibrant Life, 26, 6.

Celebrate National Public Health Week

Monday kicked off a week-long campaign celebrating National Public Health Week, April 4-10. Promoted through the American Public Health Association (APHA), this year’s National Public Health Week’s theme is “Safety is No Accident” which focuses on living injury-free in your home, during work, at play, and within the community.  APHA explains that injuries happen daily from falling on the stairs to sports-related injuries to mixing up medications. According to their research, nearly 150,000 die from injuries, and almost 30 million people are injured seriously enough to need emergency treatment.

The best method to protect against accidents is to think clearly about your surroundings. APHA suggests that you check the following for safety:

Safety at Home:

1. Assess your home for hazards such as throw rugs, poorly lit areas, and uneven surfaces.
2. Install and maintain smoke detectors.
3. Make sure all electrical outlets are covered and inaccessible to young children.
4. Check your hot water heater to avoid the risk of burns.

Safety at Work:

1. Wear all personal protective equipment recommended for your occupation
2. Participate in any safety training programs that may be offered at your workplace.
3. Wear rubber-soled shoes on smooth floors.
4. Report any potential hazards that may be unsafe for employees and clients.

Safety at Play:

1. Wear a helmet and other properly fitted protective gear during appropriate sporting activities.
2. Play it safe and strictly enforce rules that prevent injuries.
3. Monitor children while they are at play.
4. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Safety within your Community:

1. Join or start a neighborhood watch program.
2. Work with school leaders/teachers to implement anti-bullying or anti-violence at school campaigns.
3. Call the police or local child protective services if you suspect anyone has been abusing or neglecting a child in your neighborhood.
4. Walk through your neighborhood and report any unsafe conditions such as sewer grates without covers in which children could become trapped.

One way in which our community is participating in the week-long celebration is through the YMCA of Meadville’s Healthy Kid’s Day set for April 9^th in Diamond Park. A plethora of activities scattered throughout the Diamond will not only entertain children, but will also provide information for them and their families to live healthy and injury-free. This free event starts at 10 a.m. and runs until about 1 p.m.  Safety is definitely no accident, and through a little common sense and planning, our community can become a healthier and safer place to live.

Reference:

American Public Health Association. (2011). National Public Health Week. Retrieved March 27, 2011 from http://www.nphw.org/nphw11/first1.htm.