Suicide Among Older Adults: Causes and Prevention

September is National Suicide Prevention month and we want to help raise awareness about some concerning issues among individuals aged 65 and older. While older adults comprise just 12% of the population, they make up approximately 18% of suicides. This age group faces unique challenges and risk factors that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Preventing suicide among older adults means understanding the underlying issues.

Understanding the Issue

1. Scope of the Problem: Suicide rates tend to increase with age, and older adults have some of the highest rates of suicide in many parts of the world.
2. Isolation and Loneliness: Older adults often experience social isolation and loneliness, which can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Limited social interactions can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair.
3. Physical Health Issues: Many older adults grapple with chronic health conditions, functional limitations, and pain. The burden of physical illness can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and make suicide seem like an escape from suffering.
4. Loss and Grief: Aging often involves significant losses, such as the death of a spouse, friends, or family members. Coping with grief and adapting to a new reality can be overwhelming, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation.
5. Financial Stress: Some older adults face financial difficulties in retirement, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and despair. Economic insecurity can be a significant factor in suicidal thoughts.

Prevention Strategies

1. Promoting Social Connections: Encouraging older adults to maintain and build social connections is crucial. Community organizations, senior centers, and support groups can provide opportunities for social interaction and reduce feelings of isolation.
2. Mental Health Awareness: Raising awareness about mental health issues among older adults is essential. This includes educating them, their families, and healthcare providers about the signs of depression and the importance of seeking help when needed.
3. Access to Mental Health Services: Ensuring that mental health services are readily available and accessible to older adults is vital. This includes training healthcare professionals to identify and address mental health concerns in older patients.
4. Pain Management: Adequate pain management is essential for older adults dealing with chronic illnesses. Managing pain effectively can improve their overall well-being and reduce the desire for escape through suicide.
5. Addressing Financial Stress: Programs and services that provide financial support and assistance to older adults in need can help alleviate the financial stress that contributes to suicidal thoughts.
6. Regular Check-Ins: Family members, friends, and caregivers should regularly check in on older adults to assess their emotional well-being.
7. Crisis Hotlines: Promoting the availability of crisis hotlines and support services specifically tailored to older adults can provide a lifeline for those in distress. The 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Hotline is a helpful resource.

Suicide among people aged 65 and older is a complex and concerning issue, driven by a combination of social, emotional, and health-related factors.

By addressing the unique challenges faced by older adults, promoting mental health awareness, and providing access to appropriate resources and support, we can work towards reducing the rates of suicide among older individuals.

Hurley Elder Care Law includes a team of care coordinators to assist our clients with accessing community resources to offer support. Call our office at 404-843-0121 to speak with our intake specialist and discuss your elder law needs.