Most people gamble as a form of entertainment and do so without problems. Understanding that entertainment is not free, people are willing to budget and pay for their gambling as they would with any other form of entertainment. For others it can be a very different story. Uncontrollable gambling can be a devastating experience for gamblers and families alike..

This issue of The Chase focuses on problem gambling among older adults which last year accounted for fourteen percent of our 400 clients. While working in the field of problem gambling over the last decade, no age group has touched me more profoundly than seniors. Honest, law-abiding individuals who have worked hard all their lives to secure a financial future for themselves and their children reveal how compulsive gambling has transformed their values and beliefs into unfamiliar territory. Lying to family and friends regarding their whereabouts, secretly depleting RSP's and savings accounts and maxing out credit cards are described as uncharacteristic behaviours. "What happened to me? I don't even know myself anymore." These are statements commonly heard by our staff. Unfortunately, with most being on a fixed income, it's difficult to recoup extensive financial losses. However, it is entirely possible to recoup the most precious thing of all - yourself.

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Did You Know?

Older adults turn to various forms of gambling in order to:

• escape from loneliness
• be socially accepted
• forget the past or a recent crisis in their life
• increase fixed incomes
• provide entertainment and fun