Are you retired and not sure what to do with your free time?

Many older adults tend to have a lot of free time on their hands. This is a big change for people who have worked hard their whole lives. A common way to spend their new-found free time is by taking part in group activities, which may include trips to the casino, bingo nights, raffles, or other gambling-related activities..

With this in mind we work with organizations such as:

• Councils on Aging and Elder Task Forces
• The Massachusetts Partnership on Substance Abuse in Older Adults
• The City of Boston’s Commission on the Affairs of the Elderly Health and Long-Term Care Task Force

Trainings we provide include:

• Making the Most of Your Leisure Time
• Healthy Aging: You and Your Money
• Older Adults and Gambling

For more facts, check out our Older Adults and Gambling Fact Sheet

If you feel that you, or a friend, may have a problem with gambling,

we encourage you to call our helpline, or text, or chat with us for more information.

To request materials or a training, please contact Training Coordinator, Yvonne Andrews.

“Senior gambling problems can be defined as, ‘Gambling that causes problems for an individual and his or her friends and family. Seniors may not be able to stop or control the gambling behavior.’ In addition, gambling problems occur when the senior is so preoccupied with the gambling that it affects health, financial status, relationships and general well-being.” — Kit Clark Senior Services

1. (Desai R, Maciejewski P, Dausey D, Caldarone B, Potenza M. Health correlates of recreational gambling in older adults. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2004;161(9):1672-1679.)
2. (Desai R, Desai M, Potenza M. Gambling, health, and age: Data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. 2007;21(4):431-440.)
3. (Pietrzak R, Morasco B, Blanco C, Grant B, Petry N. Gambling level and psychiatric and medical disorders in older adults: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2007; 15(4):301-313.)
4. (Desai R, Desai M, Potenza M. Gambling, health, and age: Data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. 2007; 21(4):431-440.)