Wednesday 15th September 2004 Yale study finds benefits of gambling for older people
An interesting study has been done by Yale University in the US regarding gambling and its effects on those who partake. The study has found, through a series of telephone interviews, that older people who gamble for recreational purposes, appear to be healthier than those who do not gamble. The study was conducted amongst people aged 65 or over, and the survey has concluded that those who gamble do appear to be in better health than those who don’t.
Rani Desai, an epidemiologist at Yale has stated that more study will need to be done on the topic, but confirmed that initial findings are showing that gambling as a hobby can have a beneficial effect on the older population. He believes the benefits may lie in the social aspects associated with gambling. That the visits to casinos, poker games or bingo halls, are a positive thing for older people.
Desai explained, 'There's this whole concept of healthy aging -- that folks who continue to remain engaged in activity, especially in the community and in social activities, stay healthier longer, so I think this is a reflection of that”.
The results of the study have surprised researchers, who believed that the opposite of the findings may be the likely result. The aspect of gambling which occupies the mind, keeping it active, could also be an attributing factor to the results, an aspect of gambling which could prove very important to older people. On this front then the actual process of partaking in gambling pursuits, be they socially based or online would also have a beneficial affect for the 65 plus age group. It is Yale’s intention to research the area further, to consolidate or illuminate these initial findings.
Source: OnlineCasinoNews
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