Review of Suicide among Elderly Persons

The literature was reviewed on the topic of suicide among elderly persons. Incidence rates were discussed from the United States as well as other countries. Suicide rates were noted for the general population and by specific age and sex groups within the elderly population. Contributing factors included depression, bereavement, loss of confidant, retirement, socioeconomic and occupational factors, and “the level of unbearability”, a very personalized set of conditions which may trigger the suicidal act. Current preventive strategies were then considered, including increased educational efforts for family members and friends of potential victims, the role of the physician, and societal initiatives such as retirement considerations and existing mental health programs. Lastly, recommendations for the strengthening of current preventive strategies and the development of new initiatives and research were discussed.