Protective Factors Against Suicidal Behaviors Among Community-Dwelling Rural Older Adults

Suicide among older adults in rural areas is widespread. However, research on this issue is rare, and studies focusing on protective factors against suicidal behavior among this population are even scarcer. Based on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, this systematic literature review examined protective factors against suicidal behavior among community-dwelling older adults in rural areas. The results found that there were individual-, family-, and community-level protective factors against suicidal behavior. Multi-level interventions are needed to reduce and prevent suicidal behavior among older adults in rural areas. Cultural differences should also be considered.