Late-Life Suicidal Ideation in Nordic and Central-European Countries: Gender Differences and Risk Factors from the SHARE Study

Abstract Older adults are disproportionately affected by suicide, yet suicidal ideation in this population remains underexplored. This study examines gender-specific risk factors and regional differences in late-life suicidal ideation across Nordic and Visegrad countries, with loneliness as a key social determinant. This study analysed data from 11,712 participants aged 50 years and older from seven European countries (Nordic and Visegrad regions), drawing on Wave 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Logistic regression was used to examine gender- and region-specific associations with late-life suicidal ideation. Increased loneliness was strongly associated with higher odds of suicidal thoughts in both men and women. Higher education acts as a protective factor, with middle and high education reducing risk in men, and high education reducing risk in women. Living with a partner lowers suicidal thoughts for women but not for men. Age showed no consistent association, and Nordic men show a lower risk compared to their Visegrad counterparts, whereas no regional differences observed for women. Social and contextual factors, especially loneliness, education, and partnership, shape late-life suicidal ideation in gender- and region-specific ways, highlighting the need for targeted preventive interventions.