There is an average of one suicide every 90 minutes among the elderly. The three most common methods of suicide used by the elderly is firearms (71%), overdose [liquids, pills, or gas] (11%), and suffocation (11%).

* In 1998, firearms accounted for 78% of male and 35% of female suicides in that age group.

* The rate of suicide among the elderly was 14.3 per 100,000 in 2005.

* Among the elderly there is 1 suicide for every 4 suicide attempts.

Suicide rates among the elderly are highest for those who are divorced or widowed. In 1998, among males aged 75 years and older the rate for divorced men was 3.4 times and widowed men were 2.6 times that for married men. In the same age group, the suicide rate for divorced women was 2.8 times and widowed women was1.9 times the rate among married women. "Double suicides" involving spouses occur more frequently among the elderly.

Nearly 5 million elderly Americans who suffer from some form of depression. Depression is not a "normal" part of aging.

Before you say "I’m fine," ask yourself if you feel:

* Nervous, or "empty"

* Guilty or worthless

* Very tired and slowed down

* You don’t enjoy things the way you used to

* Restless or irritable

* Like no one loves you

* Like life is not worth living

Or if you are:

* Sleeping more or less than usual

* Eating more or less than usual

* Having persistent headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain

These may be symptoms of depression, a treatable medical illness. But your doctor can only treat you if you say how you are really feeling.

Risk Factors for Suicide in Late Life, Age 65 years and over:

* Male

* Chronic or terminal illness

* Social isolation

* Financial strain

* Bereavement

* Depression

* Alcohol or drug abuse

* History of prior suicide attempts

* Family history of suicide

* Preoccupied with suicidal talk and plans

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars/default.htm

Goldsmith SK, Pellmar TC, Kleinman AM, Bunney WE, editors. Reducing suicide: a national imperative. Washington (DC): National Academy Press; 2002.

United States Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/suicideprevention/elderly.asp