Gambling linked to Lonliness and Isolation for Many Boomers and Seniors.

50plus Online Magazine (50plusMag.com) reports on a recent study that found that middle-aged to older citizens are among the fastest growing group who gamble -- sometimes for fun but sometimes to relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness.

(PRWEB) July 12, 2005 -- The current edition of 50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) reveals that according to a recent study made by McNeilly and Burke, people 50+ (women in particular), are the fastest growing segment of the gambling population.

For some, its just fun, plain and simple. But sometimes, the report states, gambling seems to be a way to ease feelings of isolation, loneliness or boredom.

Apparently, that must include a lot of people," says Gary Geyer, editor of 50plus Online Magazine.

"Older adults make up the largest age group of annual visitors to Las Vegas and have become a significant segment of the population who frequent riverboats and Indian reservations to gamble, as well," adds Geyer.

50plus Online Magazine says this information is readily available to the powers that be in the gaming industry and they use it to their advantage. It's a well known fact --Older adults have two characteristics that make them attractive -- time, and for many, accumulated wealth.

Geyer continues:To lure older adults, casinos often provide big band music, champagne fountains and free shrimp cocktails. The casinos staff is trained to be friendly and especially accommodating to older citizens. And those buffets are hard to resist."

For those gambling, thats all well and good when things are going well. However problems can occur when losses are more than anticipated. More time and attention are needed as the gambler attempts to win back what he or she has lost. This can lead to selling possessions or property or risky high interest loans to cover expenses.

50plus Online Magazine reports that according to a Forbes magazine article, Americans lose more money gambling each year than they spend on movie tickets, theme parks, spectator sports and video games combined. Incredible!," says Geyer.

In addition to the article on older adults who gamble, this month‘s edition of 50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) features several other intriguing articles relevent to the 50+ audience:

> Can Anti-Aging Creams Really Turn Back the Clock?

> Turkish (Bath) Delights--the first of a series in our new expanded Travel section.

> Christopher Walken: Not Really Strange. Just Different.

> Sex Fantasies of YAPS (Youthful, Active, Pre-Seniors)

50plus Online Magazine (www.50plusMag.com) continues to be the most entertaining and informative source on the web for Boomers, Seniors and retirees. The focus is on contemporary issues approached from a 50+ perspective.

Recent articles (that are still available on the site) have addressed:
- homophobia in retirement homes
- the death of a grandchild
- growing old in prison
- discrimination in the workplace
- dealing with Alzheimer rage
- adopting a child when you are past 50
- trophy wives
- older women dating younger men
- being ignored by advertisers
- the trend of older movie stars appearing nude in the movies
- senior divorce
- alcoholic retirees
- a 50plus sex quiz

Gary Geyer is founder, editor and publisher of 50plus Online Magazine as well as President and Creative Director of Alive & Kicking Advertising — a marketing company that specializes in the 50+ market.

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