Gambling disorder in late life: A systematic review of behavioral patterns, clinical correlates, and psychotherapeutic interventions

AI Summary

Gambling in older adults is an underrecognised mental health concern linked to loneliness, low social support, financial strain, male gender, stressful events.
Often recreational, gambling becomes maladaptive when used to regulate negative emotions or cope with social isolation; depression and anxiety are frequent comorbidities.
Evidence for psychological interventions is limited; future research should develop age-specific assessments and tailored therapies addressing loneliness, emotional regulation, cognitive distortions.

Am J Addict. 2026 Jul 18. doi: 10.1111/ajad.70188. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gambling in older adults represents an emerging but still underrecognized mental health concern. Although gambling participation is increasingly observed in later life, the specific psychological, social, cognitive, and biological factors associated with gambling-related problems in older adults remain insufficiently characterized.

METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Empirical studies involving adults aged ≥55 years with Gambling were identified through searches of Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycNET, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP from January 15 to June 15, 2025.

RESULTS: From 40,263 identified records, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies, published between 2000 and 2025, primarily investigated gambling behaviors, severity, psychosocial correlates, and associated mental health outcomes in older adults. Commonly identified correlates to gambling-related problems included loneliness, reduced social support, financial difficulties, male gender, stressful life events, and early gambling initiation. Gambling was frequently reported as a recreational activity but could become maladaptive when used as a strategy to regulate negative emotions or cope with social isolation. Psychiatric comorbidity, particularly depression and anxiety, was frequently observed in clinical and high-risk samples. Evidence regarding psychological interventions remains limited but suggests potential benefits.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence highlights substantial gaps in age-specific assessment and targeted interventions. Future studies should prioritize tailored psychological interventions addressing loneliness, emotional regulation, cognitive distortions, and life transitions in later adulthood.

PMID:42471752 | DOI:10.1111/ajad.70188

Document this CPD