Why some older adults develop gambling problems

University of Queensland research is uncovering why a flutter on the pokies can lead to bigger problems for some older adults.

Professor Bill von Hippel, from UQ’s School of Psychology, has conducted research suggesting gambling problems among older adults may result from decreased self-control brought about by age-related decline in the frontal lobes of the brain.

This research was published in the latest issue of the journal Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition.

"These results raise the possibility that increased gambling among older adults might not always be an issue of personal choice," Professor von Hippel said.

"Some older adults might have difficulty engaging in self-control when gambling due to losses in frontal lobe functioning.

"In our samples of older adult gamblers, those who had more difficulty with tasks that rely on the frontal lobes were also more likely to have gambling problems.

"And these gambling problems appeared to be important, as they were associated with financial difficulties and depression."

He said rates of gambling problems in older adults had risen with increased accessibility of gambling venues, but that wasn’t the whole story.

"Our findings suggest that accessibility is only part of the problem, as gambling establishments might be taking advantage of older adults who have problems with self-control and limited opportunities to earn back their losses."

"If our findings are supported by further research, it might be appropriate to consider protections for older gamblers.

"For example, most older adults show better frontal lobe functioning earlier in the day, so they might gamble more wisely if they avoid gambling in the afternoon or evening."

(Source: University of Queensland: Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition: June 2009)