Baby boomers as gamblers: recognizing and preventing gambling harm with intersectional approach

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Gerontology
• Public Health

Background:

• The 'baby boomer' generation (born 1945-1955) in Finland, nearing or in retirement, may face unique gambling-related risks.
• Understanding their gambling habits and perceptions is crucial for targeted harm prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze gambling habits and perceptions of gambling cultures and problems among Finnish baby boomers.
• To explore gambling risks in this demographic from an intersectional perspective.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving six focus groups with 25 participants.
• Thematic content analysis of interview data to identify themes related to gambling behavior and perceptions.
• Interviews conducted in both urban and rural settings, with participants of varying educational backgrounds.

Main Results:

• Participants' gambling habits evolved from shared childhood experiences to minor gambling near retirement.
• There's an awareness of increased gambling availability but a belief in the societal importance of gambling monopolies.
• Gambling problems are predominantly framed as individual tendencies rather than societal issues.

Conclusions:

• Preventing gambling harm requires acknowledging historical changes in gambling products and accessibility.
• The tendency to view gambling problems as individual flaws can hinder recognition and help-seeking.
• Gambling harm risks are more linked to societal structures and cultural perceptions than to individual characteristics like gender or education.