Keep Grandad away from the pokies!

Jun 4 2009

According to Australian researchers easier access to gambling venues has influenced the rise in the number of older adults with gambling problems but there is more to the issue.

The researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) say the aging brain has less control when it comes to betting and finds it harder to stop.

The research by Professor Bill von Hippel, from UQ's School of Psychology has revealed that a 'flutter' on the 'pokies' can lead to bigger problems for some older adults.

Professor von Hippel's research suggests that gambling problems among older adults may result from decreased self-control brought about by age-related decline in the frontal lobes of the brain and increased gambling among older adults might not always be an issue of personal choice.

Professor von Hippel says his research found that among older adult gamblers, those who had more difficulty with tasks that rely on the frontal lobes, were also more likely to have gambling problems which were important because they were linked to financial difficulties and depression.

According to Professor von Hippel the research 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 - he says if this factor is supported by further research, it might be appropriate to consider protections for older gamblers.

On a more positive note Professor von Hippel says 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.

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