Older Adults

Older adults are one of the fastest growing populations participating in gambling activities. In response, the Council has developed a Senior Fact Sheet that was distributed to all Massachusetts' Council’s on Aging, and provided the DVD, “One Last Bet” to 35 interested Massachusetts Councils on Aging. Materials are available upon request.

 

The Council has also developed a peer-to-peer training where older adults are trained to serve as educators and referral agents among their peers. In addition, Council staff members provided prevention training for members of the Geriatric Substance Abuse Taskforce, and participated in the Western Massachusetts Elder Services Conference in Springfield and the Aging with Dignity Conference, held in Worcester.

 

We have also developed an educational skit featuring older adults entitled, "Bait & Hook." It focuses on risk reduction and other issues particular to the older adult population. A video of Bait and Hook can be purchased online for $25.  

 

In addition, the Council offers one-hour trainings that can be delivered at a Council on Aging or another agency services older adults. These include "Older Adults and Gambling" and "Making the Most of Your Leisure Time."

 

For more information, please contact Jim Wuelfing, Council Prevention Director, at 617-426-4554 / jim@masscompulsivegambling.org.