According to healthcare professionals and backed by extensive research, suicidal behavior is common in older adults for several reasons:

• Older adults comprise just 12% of the population but make up approximately 18% of suicides. In 2017, 8,500 of the more than 47,000 suicides in the U.S. were attributed to people in the age group 65 and up.
• Older adults tend to plan suicide more carefully and use methods that more often result in death..
• One in four seniors who attempt suicide will succeed, compared to one in 200 youths.
• Geriatric suicide rates are exceptionally high among older men, with men ages 85 and older having the highest rate of any group in the country.
• Older adults are less likely to be discovered and rescued.
• Older adults are more frail, meaning they are less likely to recover from an attempt. 
• In general, suicide rates are highest among Caucasians and Native Americans/Alaska Natives and lowest among Hispanics and blacks.
• Suicide is more common in men, while attempts are more common in women.
• Research suggests that up to 45% of patients who die by suicide have visited their primary care physician within a month of their death.
• Approximately 50% of all suicides are with a firearm. However, with older people, that number rises to about 70%.

Suicide Risk Factors

The most common risk factors for suicide in older adults are:

• Clinical depression and other mental health problems
• Substance use problems (including prescription medications)
• Physical impairments such as illness, disability, and pain
• A recent transition in work status
• A history of intentional self-harm such as cutting, burning, drug ingestion, participating in unsafe sex, or the presence of guns in the home
• Late-life loss of vision, hearing and other senses.
• Loneliness and social isolation or a diminished sense of purpose
• Prior suicide attempt(s) or a family history of suicide
• Grief over the passing of loved ones to chronic illness
• Loss of self-sufficiency causing seniors to mourn the independent, vibrant person they once were
• Financial problems that can create struggles to pay bills or keep food on the table.

Suicide Warning Signs

Caregivers and health professionals should look for these warning signs and behaviors when a senior is contemplating suicide:

• Verbal cues (i.e., “I can’t go on anymore,” or “Nobody cares if I live or die,”) and behavioral changes
• A reluctance to answer questions because they believe their responses won’t change anything.
• They may not use the word "depressed," but instead describe themselves as sad, anxious, or even irritated.
• Crying for no apparent reason
• Significant changes in their sleep
• Loss of interest in activities or social interactions they used to enjoy
• Giving away beloved items or changing their will
• Become angry quickly or unnaturally aggressive
• Neglecting self-care, medical regimens, and grooming
• Exhibiting a preoccupation with death
• Lacking concern for personal safety
• A sudden calmness, especially after a period of moodiness or depression. The person may become quiet and appear at peace, perhaps signaling they have decided to act on their suicidal ideation.

How to Support a Senior You Suspect Has Suicidal Thoughts

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline outlines five prevention strategies you can take if you suspect an older adult is thinking about suicide.

Ask. Don't be afraid to be direct with the person at risk. Ask questions like, "Are you thinking about suicide?" and "How can I help you?" to initiate a conversation in a supportive and unbiased way.

Be there. Family members and friends should try to be physically present to ease feelings of isolation and provide a sense of connectedness. If a face-to-face visit is not possible, be there for them via phone or video calls. Be sure not to make any promises that you are unable to keep.

Keep them safe. Find out if the person has already made any attempts on their life. Do they have a specific plan or timing in mind? Do they have access to their planned method of self-harm? In general, the more detailed a person's suicide plan is, the higher their risk.

Help them connect. If a senior is thinking about suicide, it's crucial to establish social support systems they can rely on now and in future moments of crisis. This includes suicide prevention hotlines and behavioral health resources available in their local community. Find out if the at-risk person is currently seeing a mental health counselor. If not, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a searchable, confidential directory of mental health providers across the U.S.

Follow up. Following up can reduce suicide-related deaths in high-risk populations. Once you've had an initial conversation with the vulnerable person and helped them establish a support network, make sure to check in.

Suicide Prevention Resources

Healthcare professionals and care providers should call 911 or take them to an emergency room if the crisis is immediate. Here are some other suicide prevention programs:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) can serve as a valuable resource for helping you determine the next steps. Available 24/7.
• Crisis Text Line - Text "HOME" to 741741. Available 24/7.
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Referral Helpline 1800-662-HELP (4357). Available 24/7.

• The Institute on Aging runs the Friendship Line (800-971-0016), created exclusively for seniors and people with disabilities.
• AARP has an online tool that helps isolated seniors connect with others.

• Meals on Wheels delivers food and company to older adults.

One last thing to consider is that not all older adults who refuse medical treatment are depressed or at risk of suicide. Their long-term and end-of-life goals should be considered as part of comprehensive monitoring and assessment.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts or behaviors, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

DISCLAIMER:  Medi-Solutions Insurance Agency, LLC is not affiliated or endorsed with the Social Security Administration or the Federal Medicare Program.   Information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer of insurance, advice, or recommendation. The information provided is not intended as tax, financial, investment, or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

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