Ohio Department of Aging
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October 2007
Elderly At Highest Risk For Suicide
The elderly are the highest risk population in the country for suicide, mental heath experts say. The number of elderly suicides is likely to climb as baby boomers age. Yet few suicide-prevention programs target seniors - a result, advocates say, of scarce funding and misunderstanding of depression in older Americans.
The overall U.S. suicide rate is 11 per 100,000 people. But for those 65 and older, that figure rises to 14 per 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which based its findings on 2004 data, the most recent available.
Depression is under-detected at all ages, mental health groups say. But much more funding is available for treating younger people, including $82 million in federal money approved in 2004. Some advocates and mental health workers say they also have to battle a prevailing notion that depression is a normal part of aging.
Experts say there need to be services tailored to the elderly because they handle depression differently than younger patients. Older adults are less likely to seek help and typically choose more lethal suicide methods.
If you feel that someone you know may be depressed, encourage them to talk with their doctor about their symptoms and possible treatments. If you feel they may be suicidal, do not leave them alone and seek professional help immediately.
Ohio Department of Aging