Editorial: A service for seniors

Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004 | 9 a.m.

Something happened Wednesday at the Las Vegas Derfelt Senior Citizens Center that we would like to see repeated. At the invitation of Sheila Robin, the center's activities director, Robert Hunter presented a seminar on problem gambling. He is director of the Problem Gambling Center, Las Vegas' only nonprofit clinic for treating compulsive gamblers.

As a magnet for retirees all over the country, Las Vegas has a growing senior population. For many in this age group, gambling is a social activity that adds some fun to their day. For many others, however, gambling develops into a problem. Seniors are particularly at risk. Once their life savings begin to dwindle, most are not in a position to go back to work.

What Hunter and other gambling counselors are able to do is awaken seniors to their gambling problems before their retirements become ruined. One senior attending the seminar held Wednesday told the Sun afterward: "Something inside of me said, 'Wake up, you're not dead yet.' I won't be a miserable, bitter, vicious old man anymore."

We would like to see such seminars continue at Derfelt, and spread to senior centers across the Las Vegas Valley.