The Concerning Increase in Suicide Rates of Older Adults

Suicide is a growing public health crisis. Over the past 25 years, suicide rates have been increasing in those aged 65 years and older. This may continue to increase due to the rising older adult population and the underdetection of those at risk of suicide. In a study cited by the Harvard Gazette, most of the websites acknowledged the high risk of suicide in the older adult population, but resources were scarce. 

US Suicide Rate Statistics

As presented in the data brief of the National Center for Health Statistics, men had higher suicide rates among adults aged 55 and older in the year 2021, and the leading mechanism of their death was firearm-related. On the other hand, women aged 55-64 had the highest rate of suffocation, firearm, and poisoning-related suicide in 2021. In 2022, people aged 85 and older had the highest rate of suicide, with a rate of 22.7% from a crude rate per 100,000 population.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

California Suicide Rate Statistics

According to the California Department of Public Health, there were 927 confirmed suicide deaths among California older adults in 2019. Of these 927 suicide deaths, 82% were males, and 44% of them were veterans. The rate of suicide increased with age and was the highest for males aged 85 above. In 2019, it was recorded that male older adults had higher suicide rates in comparison to older female adults and younger individuals.

Data from the California Department of Public Health

Older adult suicides in 2019 were highest for those California residents who are white. In addition, suicide by poisoning was the most common for female older adults, while suicide by firearms was the most common for male older adults in the same year.

Data from the California Department of Public Health

Reasons for Suicidal Intent

In an article by the National Council on Aging, there are several reasons why suicide is higher in older adults. Among those reasons, most seniors live on their own and feel disconnected from the social community. Older adults who live longer may begin to suffer grief over their lost loved ones, which deepens their hopelessness and loneliness. Adding to their struggles and grief, problems with finances may also trigger suicidal thoughts.

Moreover, older adults may feel a loss of identity due to the drastic changes in their lives and the need for dependence. This can be caused by the chronic illnesses and diseases associated wth old age and a decline in their cognitive function. The physical, emotional, and cognitive problems encountered by older adults can lead to depression. Depression can later develop into clinical depression, which is a mood disorder where they experience persistent sadness, loss of interest, and hopelessness. It is not a normal part of aging. 

Suicide Prevention

Older adults are not likely to seek medical help. As said by Kathleen Cameron, senior director of the National Council on Aging’s Center for Healthy Aging, in the Los Angeles Times, they may “feel embarrassed that they have to seek help for the way they’re feeling mentally,” because “they grew up in a time where stoicism was important in their life”. Aside from this, there aren’t a lot of people trained in geriatric mental health. The lack of people in the community, coupled with the stigma, makes it harder to treat the mental health problems of older adults. 

Focusing resources on populations that are disproportionately impacted by suicide may help prevent suicide deaths, as stated by the California Department of Public Health. Those who are at risk are males, veterans, those who have a history of suicidal thoughts, those who experience prolonged isolation or loneliness, and those with mental health conditions, functional impairment, or physical health conditions.

If you know an older adult who is thinking about suicide, there are five actions you can take. 

1. Ask

Be direct with the person and ask questions to initiate a conversation. Listen to them and acknowledge their emotional pain. Communicate and help them hold on to the reasons why they should want to keep living. 

2. Be there

Be physically present for them. If it is not possible, constantly check on them through phone or video calls. Do not make promises to them that you cannot keep. 

3. Keep them safe

Find out if the person is in immediate danger by knowing whether or not they have a specific plan and access to self-harm. They are at higher risk if their suicide plan is detailed. If you know someone at high risk, the 988 Suicide Lifeline can help you determine the next steps. 

4. Help them connect

The individual should have a support system that they can rely on. Find available resources in the community and check on the individual if they are currently seeing a mental health counselor. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a directory of mental health providers across the United States. 

5. Follow up 

Once you have initiated an initial conversation with the individual, make sure to check on them. 

Call or text 988 if you know someone who may need crisis support or if you are experiencing it yourself. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline connects you with a trained crisis counselor, and it is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365.

For more information

Mental Health America

800-969-6642

www.mentalhealthamerica.net

National Alliance on Mental Illness

800-950-6264

www.nami.org

National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging

309-531-2816

admin@ncmha.org

www.ncmha.org/

National Institute of Mental Health

866-615-6464

nimhinfo@nih.gov

www.nimh.nih.gov

American Psychological Association

800-374-2721 

202-336-6123 (TDD/TTY)

www.apa.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance 

800-826-3632

www.dbsalliance.org

Administration for Community Living

202-401-4634

https://www.acl.gov

Eldercare Locator

800-677-1116

eldercarelocator@USAging.org

https://eldercare.acl.gov

Find a Treatment Facility

1-833-888-1553 (Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. ET)

findtreatment.gov

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

877-726-4727

800-487-4889 (TTY)

samhsainfo@samhsa.hhs.gov

www.samhsa.gov

To read more about older adult health, visit Ca Care Association’s news and resources.