DHSS Press Release |
Date: April 20, 1999 DHSS-17-1999 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Jennifer Castleberry, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Eleanor L. Cain Phone: (302) 255-9390 |
SENIOR ADULTS ARE TARGET OF GAMBLING EDUCATION PROGRAM
Citing an increase in the number of senior adults in Delaware seeking help for gambling problems, two Delaware Health and Social Services divisions are launching a statewide gambling education program targeted at seniors. The sponsors are the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities and the Division of Alcoholism, Drug Abuse and Mental Health. The program is funded by proceeds from the Delaware Lottery.
According to Eleanor L. Cain, Director of Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, "The number of calls for help to the Delaware Council on Gambling Problems have increased in recent months. Approximately one out of six of these calls are from persons over the age of 55. This tells us that we need to educate Delaware seniors about the risks associated with gambling and help them avoid the types of behavior associated with problem gambling."
Cain said that seniors with gambling problems pose unique concerns. First and foremost, seniors who gamble away pensions and savings are not able to recoup losses and start over, unlike younger gamblers with large losses.
Gambling by seniors differs in other respects from gambling by other age groups:
- seniors are more likely to hide gambling problems because of the shame they associate with it.
- gambling may help fill a void for seniors who have experience a loss such as the death of a loved one, separation from family, depression, etc.
- seniors want to be with their peers and they have more time and more money to spend.
- seniors may be unaware that gambling is not risk-free.
Cain said that problem and/or compulsive gambling are treatable conditions. The downward spiral can be reversed. Destructive behavior can be stopped. Normal lifestyles can be resumed. Recovery can be permanent.
The Senior Adult Gambling Education (SAGE) program includes a free, 30-minute, multi-media presentation, "Seniors and Gambling: Pastime or Problem?" The presentation includes: Why seniors gamble, how senior gamblers are different, how to identify problem gambling behaviors in seniors, gambling prevention strategies for seniors and more. Community groups can schedule the presentation by calling the presenter, Lee Eldredge, at (302) 777-1552 or the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities at 1-800-223-9074. Eldredge is a certified gambling counselor and consultant specializing in senior gambling.
The awareness program also includes print and broadcast information.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
