Dr. Sandy Sanbar, M.D., Ph.D., J.D., has published the 2020 third edition of Youth To Elderly & Alzheimer’s: Love, Intimacy, Love and Romance in Elderly and Alzheimer’s Patients. In the book, Dr. Sanbar has compiled real stories and experiences of the elderly and patients that suffer from progressive, Alzheimer’s disease to help provide some informational insight into the lives and relationships of the elderly and patients.
Dr. Sanbar discusses different types of relationships that form or break between people as they age or are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He also writes about the benefits of the MIND diet, in preventing and delaying the progression of Alzheimer’s, as well as drug and gambling addiction, which seems to be rampant among older adults. COVID-19 has also impacted the lives of the elderly and Alzheimer’s patients majorly, which Dr. Sanbar draws attention to. The information that is presented by Dr. Sanbar is rarely discussed. So, it’s an essential read for all adults, caregivers, and loved ones of the elderly and Alzheimer’s patients.
In the book, Dr. Sanbar talks about just how common and unnoticed, gambling addiction is among the elderly. Over 40% of gamblers in the country are older, retired adults. According to AARP, senior women are the fastest-growing gamblers in the country. You might be wondering what makes gambling so addicting and popular among seniors, Neil Rotter from the Accredited Family of Home Care Services tells us why:
· Time – Once seniors are retired they have time on their hands and this time can be filled with a number of options. Playing slot machines, cards, and other games of chance can help fill their time.
· Social Interaction – Many seniors live alone and this can cause them to miss being socially interactive. Spending time in a casino, race track betting business, or other gambling oriented places allows for social interaction with others.
· Budget – Unlike while they were supporting a family, feeding, and clothing a household and coming home from a long day at work, retired seniors now have extra time and money. The fact that their homes are most likely paid for and expenses for clothes and food are much lower tends to allow for a few extra dollars available in their budget now.
· Simple Addiction – Plain and simple addiction to the feeling of the win is one of the biggest reasons for the increase in gambling addiction in the elderly.
· Ease – The ability to gamble comes easy now; lottery tickets, casinos, slot machines, card games, “Tip Boards” sold in bars and clubs, online games of chance
· Winning Temptations – Small wins will entice seniors who may be setting aside money for a special purchase to think in terms of “Well I tripled my money that one time, maybe I’ll do it again and can afford to buy that item sooner!” or the infamous thought of “It’s time for a win! I’m overdue!”
· Entertainment – Much like the social interaction, entertainment can be hard to find as we age. Being around a group of other people, small talk, drinking coffee or beverages, and making friends is a perfect way to be entertained for hours; especially if you’re just going to be using a small amount of money each time. Unfortunately, the money they spend can increase.
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