title: Gambling behaviors in Black older adults: perceived effects on health.
abstract: Gambling is a popular activity among older adults of multiple ethnic and cultural backgrounds, but gambling research has not focused on elderly individuals or on minority groups. Although most gambling is a social activity, it also could have health implications for older adults. Sixty-seven Black individuals, ages 50 to 88, completed the Massachusetts Gambling Screen and 20 Black older adults were interviewed about gambling behaviors and beliefs about gambling and health. Although participants in this study were low income, they were as active in gambling as the general population. One pathological gambler and two problem gamblers were identified. The correlation between reported overall health and beliefs about the effects of gambling on health was not significant. Researchers, educators, and nurses working with older adults can help define the health implications of gambling on this population.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Bouve College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Margaret H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: Carol A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Patsdaughter
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001900:Boston; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged