June Aging Insights TV program, “Gambling to Escape: Know the Risks”

TRENTON, NJ (June 2, 2020) – There are some seniors who gamble away their pensions or opt to not fill prescriptions or even buy food so they can gamble.

Neva Pryor (pictured), the Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc., commonly known as 1-800-GAMBLER, revealed this to Melissa Chalker, host of the monthly TV program, Aging Insights. You can see Pryor’s interview on June’s episode, #105, “Gambling to Escape: Know the Risks.” Produced by NJ Foundation for Aging, Aging Insights is being recorded via video conferencing due to the pandemic.

Launched in 2011, Aging Insights is an award-winning, half-hour monthly TV show that promotes dialogue and provides resources on critical issues for older adults and caregivers. Episode 105, “Gambling to Escape: Know the Risks,” can be viewed on NJFA’s website at https://www.njfoundationforaging.org/aging-insights/ and more than 70 public-access stations across NJ (check local listings for channels and times).

Pryor, who has 20 years of experience in behavioral health, has led the Council since May 2015. She explains that seniors often go on casino bus trips because their spouses, parents or friends have died and they’re looking to fill a void. “A lot of time, it’s not the money – it’s the bet or the lifestyle. You get on the bus and you go to the casino,” she says.

“People escape to gamble. ‘I don’t like what’s going on in my life,’” says Prior. She feels that when people hit age 65, they begin to wonder, “What is my role in life?” “You have to reinvent yourself as you age,” she says, adding that you need to look within to make yourself happy.

Pryor also addresses signs of a gambling problem as well as internet and illegal gambling, among other topics.

This episode of Aging Insights also marks the debut of “Tips,” featuring Occupational Therapist Dr. Claire Mulry from Kean University discussing coping during COVID-19.

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The New Jersey Foundation for Aging (www.njfoundationforaging.org) is the only statewide nonprofit organization focused solely on providing leadership in public policy and education to enable older adults to live with independence and dignity in their communities. In addition to its policy leadership role, the NJFA produces the award-winning Aging Insights, a monthly half-hour TV program promoting dialogue on critical issues for older adults and caregivers. The show can be seen on more than 70 public-access stations, www.njfoundationforaging.org/aging-insights. The NJFA also presents an annual conference (currently scheduled for July 24, 2020) offering development opportunities and best practices for professionals entrusted with caring for seniors.