Many seniors enjoy gambling, whether it be bingo, racetrack betting, or casino gambling. For most, it is a harmless form of entertainment. But how do you know when a senior loved one’s gambling has become a problem? Some signs might be 1) bragging about gambling and exaggerating wins while ignoring or minimizing losses, 2) borrowing money for gambling, and 3) lying about the amount of time/money they spend gambling. Talk to your senior loved one about their problem gambling and determine what possible causes may exist. Encourage them to get help and let them know they have your support.
Community News
Do You Have a Valentine?
Are you single on Valentine’s Day? Although it is only a day, it is representative of where your love life is at. Finding yourself single can be very isolating in today’s couples’ oriented society. People often start out with online dating and become increasingly frustrated and disappointed with the games and lack of accountability. As a professional matchmaker with over 25 years of experience, I have facilitated thousands of successful love connections that are still going strong many years later. As a matter of fact, I just received a call from a couple I matched 23 years ago. They called to thank me and let me know I enabled them to live a life of love.
New in Your Community
Welcome Cheryl Fedeluk of Current Expressions, who has just moved her business to 1065 St. Mary’s Road. She brings over 20 years of experience in helping clients age naturally. Current Expressions offers LED red light therapy, cupping facials, and microcurrent facial sculpting. Cosmetic microcurrent helps improve the appearance of aged and slackened skin, acne scars, dark circles and puffiness, enlarged pores, and muscle tone. Cupping treatments tone your facial muscles, reduce under-eye puffiness, and improve circulation. LED red light therapy helps to increase collagen and fibroblasts help reduce pore size, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
Structured Water
Science proves waters responsible for longevity. Dr. Marcel Vogel (Father of Structured Water Science) calls it ‘liquid crystal’ completely compatible with instant cell wall entry & exit. Natural Action Technologies Structuring Devices mimic nature, transforming any water energetically by double vortexing, creating a 6 molecule cluster, an easy uptake into each cell’s aquaporin channel. “Water inside your cells is absolutely critical for health”, Dr. Mercola. Suzanne Forcese. SunriseStructuredWellness.com
DIY Nourishing Hair Mask
In the middle of winter, we need all the help with moisturizing that we can get! Luckily, ingredients like aloe vera can help soothe and moisturize winter dryness and itching. If you have a dry and itchy scalp or dry hair, try this nourishing aloe vera-based hair mask recipe. Combine about ½ cup of aloe vera gelly (increase amount if you have longer hair), a few drops of pure lemon juice, and 1 tbsp of coconut oil in a blender. Add mixture to hair and let sit for 30 minutes. Use shampoo on hair before wetting it, then rinse thoroughly.
Words to Live By
“Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” – Orison Swett Marden
Clean Eating Recipe:
Nut free Energy Bites
Ingredients: 1 cup oats. 1/3 cup flax meal. 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter. 1/4 cup maple syrup. 1/8 cup sunflower seeds. 1/8 cup mini chocolate chips. Directions: 1. Place oats and flax meal in a medium sized bowl. Stir to combine. 2. Add seed butter and maple syrup and stir to combine. 3. Stir in sunflower seeds and chocolate chips. 4. Using a small cookie scoop or table spoon, roll mixture into balls. 5. Transfer to a small storage container and keep in the refrigerator. Chelsy Balkwill, Registered Holistic Nutritionist Wellbeing Counsellor, Sobey’s-St.Anne’s email:sby5094wnsc@sobeys.com
Community Event
February 23. Coldest Night of the Year! Fundraiser Walk. For the last 45 years Main Street Project has provided a safe place for people in Winnipeg living with addictions, homelessness, and mental illness. Plans are now well underway to redevelop that 36,000 square foot space into a modern, properly equipped, round-the-clock shelter, detox centre and treatment facility. Walk by yourself, join a team or start a team at CNOY.org/location/Winnipeg
Clean Eating Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad
Ingredients:
4 large eggs, free range
1 medium avocado
2 tbsp real mayonnaise
1 tbsp each fresh dill and chives, finely chopped
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash smoked paprika
Romaine lettuce leaves, for serving
Preparation:
1. Hard boil eggs with your preferred cooking method, then cool, peel, and chop cooked eggs.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, mash pitted avocado with mayonnaise, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chopped eggs to avocado mixture and toss to combine. Serve egg salad immediately, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or chill and then serve the same day.
When a Senior Loved One Has a Gambling Problem
Gambling is a huge industry in Canada. Casino gambling is more popular than ever.
Seniors enjoy bingo, racetrack betting—and especially, casino gambling. Retirement-aged consumers are an especially desirable demographic for the gaming industry because they fill the floors during off-peak hours. Casinos market to them aggressively, offering discounted meals, ‘Golden Oldies’ entertainment shows, and complimentary shuttle service.
For many seniors, gambling is harmless entertainment. They hop on the casino shuttle, socialize with others and casino staff, bet a few dollars and take advantage of senior discounts on meals, drinks and perhaps a show. They’ve set aside part of their entertainment budget for gambling, and they stop when they reach their limit. However, some older adults develop a gambling problem that seriously impacts their financial well-being.
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling—also referred to as gambling addiction, pathological gambling or a gambling disorder—happens when a person becomes obsessed with gambling and has an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling. According to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, “For the problem gambler, making a bet is not just about having fun or winning money. Gambling becomes an emotional response to change the way they feel.” In addition, warns the NCPG, a person might have a gambling problem if they are:
- Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
- Restless and irritable when not gambling
- Gambling in hopes of winning back what they have lost
- Borrowing money for gambling
- Lying to hide time spent gambling or unpaid debts
- Doing something illegal to get money for gambling
- Jeopardizing a significant relationship or job by gambling
Why are seniors at higher risk?
The NCPG explains that boredom, isolation, depression and cognitive impairment affect judgment and make it harder for senior gamblers to stick to their limit. Seniors on a fixed income—who can little afford to gamble away their money—might hope that they will strike it rich and improve their financial situation. In addition to the signs above, family may notice that their loved one has withdrawn from the activities they used to enjoy. Possessions may have disappeared from their loved one’s home, and their loved one is vague about what happened. A senior may be neglecting their personal needs—food, medical care, or exercise. And here’s a sign experts often cite as a red flag: Seniors with a gambling addiction show little interest in the buffet, entertainment or social aspects of a casino trip, instead heading straight for their “lucky machine” and settling in.
What can family do?
The first step is to review the warning signs of problem gambling to get a better picture of whether your loved one has a problem. You can’t step in merely because you don’t approve of gambling, or you think Mom should spend her entertainment money somewhere else.
The next step is to determine whether there are medical reasons behind the problem. Gerontologists say problem gambling might be a sign that a senior is dealing with early Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairment that impairs judgment and impulse control. The side effects of some medications also can make a senior more susceptible to compulsive gambling. For example, certain drugs prescribed to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease have been linked to impulse control—including pathological gambling. Urge your loved one to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out or diagnose these problems.
Having a conversation about problem gambling can be very difficult. Your loved one may resist talking about it and may insist that there isn’t a problem. Assure them that you have their best interests in mind, and that you want to help, not judge. Encourage your loved one to talk to a professional. Treatment is available for gambling addiction and includes support groups, psychotherapy and sometimes medication. Consider bringing in a geriatric care manager (also called an aging life care specialist) to mediate the conversation and to help you locate treatment resources. Talk to your loved one’s financial manager, or consult an elder law attorney. Sometimes, if a senior is no longer able to manage their money, families must take a larger role. (Read “Stepping In, Stepping Up: Legal Issues for Family Caregivers” in the August 2016 issue of the Caring Right at Home newsletter to learn more. A poll in that issue found that many Caring Right at Home readers have held a durable power of attorney or guardianship for a senior loved one at some point.)
Not every gambling habit rises to the level of addiction. A senior who goes to the casino several times a week to stave off boredom and loneliness might find even more mental stimulation and companionship through a senior recreation program, volunteer service, events at their faith community, or taking a class. Help your loved one locate appropriate activities in the area. If your loved one has become isolated due to mobility challenges, consider hiring home care to provide companionship and transportation. Even computer games can be a substitute for folks who enjoy relaxing with a machine—and as a bonus, these games offer far more mental stimulation and brain exercise than a slot machine.
Product Review: Clean9
Clean9 is like a tune-up for your body. Everyone routinely takes their car in for service, but when was the last time that you did the same for your body? The Clean9 Program will help you to look and feel better by eliminating stored toxins from your body, allowing you to feel lighter and more energized as you take control of your appetite and see your body begin to change. This proven cleansing system will put you in the best position to attain optimal health, cleanse your body, and build a slimmer, leaner you.
