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Biomedical subjects

D P McNeilly

Publications and source records attributed to D P McNeilly.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Gambling as a social activity of older adults.

A significant number of senior citizens (aged 65+) spend their leisure time in gambling casinos in this country. For some older adults eager for a stimulating social outlet, casino gambling can become a virulent and destructive addiction. While prevalence studies have examined the incidence of problem gambling in other age groups, little attention has been paid to the impact of casino gambling on older adults. This study investigated the prevalence of casino gambling as a social activity for active senior citizens (aged 65+). Activity directors from residential and assisted-care facilities as well as from senior and retirement centers completed mailed surveys of eleven different types of social activities available to older adults. Results of the survey of activity directors found bingo the most highly frequented on-location-type social activity and casino gambling the most highly frequented day-trip-type social activity for 6,957 active senior citizens represented in the activity directors' survey. On average, 16 percent of the senior citizens were reported by the activity directors to have taken part in facility-sponsored trips to the casino on at least a once-a-month basis. In addition, the casinos themselves had offered additional gambling day-trips to 66 percent of the facilities, which were accepted in 58 percent of the cases. These findings suggest the need for greater awareness of the impact casino gambling may have on senior citizens in this country.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Late life gambling: the attitudes and behaviors of older adults.

For a significant number of retired older adults (aged 65+), gambling has become a new form of recreation and entertainment. While prevalence studies have examined the incidence of problem gambling in other age groups, little research attention has been paid to the impact of gambling on older adults since the increase in availability and accessibility of legalized gambling within the last ten years. This study investigated the prevalence of problem gambling behaviors (SOGS-R), depression (GDS-15), levels of life satisfaction (SWLS), and motivations for gambling among older adults. A total of 315 older adults completed the study questionnaire and were grouped and analyzed according to those sampled from gambling venues and those from within the community. Results of the study found the most frequent accession and spending on several types of gambling occurred among older adults who were sampled at gambling venues. Older adults who were sampled at gambling venues were also found more likely to have higher levels of disordered gambling than older adults from the community, as measured by the SOGS-R. Relaxation, boredom, passing time, and getting away for the day were also the most likely reported motivations for the older adults who were gambling patrons. These findings provide an initial profile of older adults and their attitudes, motivations and gambling behaviors.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Stealing lately: a case of late-onset kleptomania.

The case of a 77-year-old woman first diagnosed with kleptomania is presented to indicate a possible late-onset course of this disorder. Particularly striking about this patient's history of shoplifting behaviors was the absence of an onset prior to the age of 73. Her pattern of stealing did not begin at an early age, and was not sporadic or episodic over the course of several years. The treatment course and patient outcome are discussed in light of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Effective use of anxiolytics in older adults.

This article reviews the current classification of anxiety disorders and the frequency of these disorders in older adults. General treatment principles are discussed, and an overview of anxiolytic medications is presented. Use of these anxiolytic agents in specific disorders is then discussed, followed by a brief review of non-pharmacologic treatment approaches to anxiety disorders.

Age Factors↗