Research Report: Researchers Warn Against Casting Stereotypes on Gambling and the Elderly

Is it possible that, as a society, we are exaggerating the level of risk for gambling problems among the elderly? According to a study published in the Journal of Aging Studies, conducted by Janet Hope and Linda Havir (2002), cultural presumptions about elderly gambling problems are cause for concern. Driven largely by media stories that portray older people as extraordinarily vulnerable and naive about gambling and its risks, as well as a socially constructed perception of the elderly as victims, it is commonly concluded that older people who frequent casinos are unable to gamble prudently, the study states. This, according to the study, is highly inaccurate, as there is "no systematic data demonstrating that older people gamble at a higher rate or are more vulnerable to gambling addictions than other age groups." In fact, the study found that older people predominantly enjoyed the social aspects of gambling and having a safe controlled environment to meet with others. Hope and Havir's research study examined a small population of elderly individuals in Minnesota who responded to a mailed questionnaire about gambling behavior and motivation for gambling. Nearly 94 percent of the respondents reported visiting casinos for fun, food, curiosity or shows, while a very small percentage (6.2 percent) suggested they wanted to win or gamble. The study expresses concern that cultural presumptions of elderly vulnerability to problem gambling may not only be premature, but also could lead to unhealthy self-perceptions among the elderly about their susceptibility to problem gambling. Although the study had a number of limitations, such as a restricted study population, self-selection of participants, a low study response rate and an unconventional means of assessing problem gambling, Hope and Havir urge people to be cautious about letting personal biases result in widespread assumptions about the elderly and gambling. Similarly, they caution scientists against succumbing to biases as well. As this study suggests, society should not place too much concern on the elderly population with regard to risk for problem gambling until scientific research can concretely determine otherwise. A recent issue of the WAGER, a weekly online research bulletin produced by Harvard Medical School's Division on Addictions, reviewed the research study of Hope and Havir and its examination of cultural bias relating to gambling and the elderly.