Preventing Suicide Amongst Elders

National Suicide Prevention Week is observed September 6th through September 12th, with World Suicide Prevention Day falling on September 10th.

Older adults are at great risk for depression and suicide. Consider the following statistics from the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention:

• The highest suicide rates of any age group occur among persons aged 65 years and older.
• Suicide disproportionately impacts the elderly. In 1998, this group represented 13% of the population, but suffered 19% of all suicide deaths.
• Firearms (71%), overdose [liquids, pills or gas] (11%) and suffocation (11%) were the three most common methods of suicide used by persons aged 65+ years.
• In 1998, men accounted for 84% of suicides among persons aged 65 years and older.
• It is estimated that 20% of elderly (over 65 years) persons who commit suicide visited a physician within 24 hours of their act and 41% visited within a week of their suicide.

Older adults as a group have special characteristics that contribute to a their risk for suicide:

• Suicide rates in the elderly are highest for people who are divorced or widowed.
• Elders have a higher prevalence of depression versus the general population, putting them at higher risk for suicide.
• Older adults are frequently isolated due to physical disability, lack of transportation, or separation from family, which can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression.
• Seniors use more lethal methods for suicide, resulting in more deaths from suicide.

Health care providers and families can be alert for the following signs and symptoms of depression or possible suicidal ideation:

• Talking about suicide or death.
• Giving verbal cues such as "I wish it were all over," or " What's the point of going on?"
• Isolating oneself from friends of family, or not participating in activities that were once meaningful.
• Giving away personal belongings that have value to that person.
• Neglecting hygiene or personal appearance.
• Demonstrating a sudden improvement of mood or outlook after a period of "the blues" or depression (this can indicate that the individual has created a plan for suicide).
• Having firearms, medications, or other toxic substances on hand.

If you notice a loved one or someone close to you with these symptoms, you should talk to them about their feelings. It is a common misconception that talking to someone about suicide will lead that person to hurt themselves.

If you are having symptoms of depression or thoughts of suicide, talk to your doctor, another health or mental health provider, or call the San Diego Suicide Hotline at 1-800-479-3339. If you need help urgently, call 911.