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. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.