Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
In general, suicidal elders truly want to die, hence they tend to use drastic and effective methods of suicide. Unlike among the young, suicidal threats or attempted suicide is uncommon in the older population. This article presents some explanations of the contributing factors that precipitate suicide among the aged. Particular attention is given to retirement, widowhood, depression, and loneliness as related to suicide. Also reviewed are the warning signs or the clues to potential suicide, and the assessment of the suicidal elderly. Finally, suicide intervention and prevention are discussed.
Claire Lavigne-Pley (1987) studied this question.