Elder suicide is associated with depression and those factors causing depression, such as chronic illness, physical impairment, unrelieved pain, financial stress, loss and grief, and alcoholism.
- Someone age 65 or older completes suicide every 90 minutes
- The elderly account for 1/5th of all suicides, yet they represent only 12% of the population.
- White males over age 85 complete suicide at almost six times the national average.
- Elder suicide may be under-reported 40% more due to “silent suicides” (deaths from medical noncompliance, overdoses, self starvation).
- Loss of interest in things or activities previously found enjoyable
- Social isolation, lack of attention to grooming
- Breaking medical regimens
- Having experienced or expecting to experience a personal loss
- Feeling hopeless or worthless-feeling they are no longer needed
- Giving personal possessions away or putting affairs in order
- Stock-piling medications or obtaining other lethal means
