Suicide in the elderly

Current research papers on the epidemiology, risk factors, prevention strategies and barriers to intervention of elderly suicide were reviewed. There are interesting differences in the epidemiological data between the developed and developing countries, especially in terms of sex ratio and certain sociodemographic risk factors of suicide behaviour. Psychological autopsies and studies on suicide attempt and ideation continue to highlight the presence of high levels of treatable mental health problems. Recent studies have added to our understanding of factors contributing to suicide in the elderly. However, well-controlled trials on the efficacy of prevention strategies of suicide in late life are still lacking.