Suicide and the elderly

Death by suicide is very high among those over the age of 65 and increases as people get older. There is a big increase in suicides after a person reaches 85.

The statistics show that 12 percent of the population consists of older adults in the United States but they account for 18 percent of suicides. The suicide rate per year for those over 65 in 2002 was over 15 for every 100,000 persons. The number increased to over 17 deaths by suicide per 100,000 for those between 75 to 84 the number rises for those over the age of 85. White males over the age of 85 will succeed at committing suicide six times the national average for suicides. What doesn't appear in the suicide statistics are what are called the "silent suicides." These are deaths that are caused by overdoses, self starvation or dehydration and what is often listed as accidents. It is believed that because of these types of deaths the suicide rate for the elderly may be under-reported by at least 40 percent. The elderly often use guns, hanging or drowning to commit suicide which is why they have a high rate of succeeding at ending their lives. When there are double suicides it is usually committed by spouses or partners who are elderly. Gemma Fox wrote a report on an elderly couple who committed suicide together. Some of the warning signs of a person who is contemplating suicide are listed here. They include, 1. Loss of interest in things or activities that are usually found enjoyable 2. Cutting back social interaction, self-care, and grooming. 3. Breaking medical regimens (e.g., going off diets, prescriptions) 4. Experiencing or expecting a significant personal loss (e.g., spouse) 5. Feeling hopeless and/or worthless ("Who needs me?"). 6. Putting affairs in order, giving things away, or making changes in wills. 7. Stock-piling medication or obtaining other lethal means. Someone I talked to whose father committed suicide told me that "people should treat others with love & respect." This is often not done by those who have contact with an elderly person who is ill and depressed. It can and does include the spouse, children and care takers of an elderly person. This report is written in memory of my brother-in-law who decided to take his life yesterday. He was 87.