What do you think could be the reasons that they are still gambling though?
It could be that they want to still engage themselves and be as active as they can and they can do it through gambling? Or somewhat of a mind exercise for them?
-snip-
Most of the old people who are still actively gambling even though they are having a hard time are mostly bored at home and want to find an activity that can help them to spend time. We can't blame them for being like that, because they are also bored and have no friends to talk to, and maybe gambling is their way to spend time. Maybe some people see this as wrong, but each person is in a different situation, as long as they still have money for it they can do what they want to do.