This are aging are not meant to be stressing themselves to get because they don't need that especially going to a betting shop to play bets. This does not make any sense to me, but I would not react when I see an elderly person betting online because I know with that, safety is ensured and they would have to bet when that are interested to buy not everytime. Betting is for the young that still have the interest to earn and make extra money for themselves. Seeing old people betting is also something normal because no one knows there present condition and what would have led them to decide to gamble.
Going to a gambling house to place bets and get involved with gambling activities physically shouldn't be supported especially with the old as it's not only stressful but it looks very much absurd and doesn't really tell well of their reputation especially in places where gambling is despised and not considered noble.
Talking about the safety of older people with relation to gambling I think the concern should be much on their health, some of them get more emotional as they age and may not be able to cope with losses, it may take them into very emotional state such that some may fall to depression or get some hypertensive reaction when they are suffering a streaks of losses so it's better they avoid it at old age especially for those who easily get emotional at every slightest thing.
You make good sense and I completely agree with you., but then here are my few points concerning all you have said.
First, speaking on whether older folks should stop patronizing physical gambling outlets and casinos, most especially on place or jurisdictions where gambling is not considered as a noble thing or activities to engage oneself in, I agree with this, but how about those who can't possibly operate a smart phone not to talk of a computer, not all of our old folks can easily navigate through the world of online gambling, and as long as its gambling we are talking about, as an old person, asking someone to help you deposit money into an online casino from your bank account is also absurd, and also puts you at a very high risk of falling into the hands of scammers, as even your own son can use the opportunity to scam you.
So, considering the above, I think patronizing a physical gambling outlet or casinos with physical cash in their hands is still much safer for our old folks.
And talking about their health and their vulnerability to health issues as a result of loses from gambling, you are also very right here, but I think it depends on how long the old person has been gambling, for those who have been gambling for a very long time, they probably have gotten used to it and the chances that such a person will collapse due to gambling loses is very slim.
The risk is very high with folks who started gambling in their old age.