Suicide in adults over the age of 60 presents an ongoing health concern. As the world's population ages, identifying and reducing risk factors becomes an essential part of preventing suicide in older adults. With early detection and preventative care, older adults can minimize these risk factors that can lead to depression and suicide.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact a suicide support line such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This crisis response system offers residents help with mental health or substance abuse. It can also provide information and make referrals.

Understanding Risk Factors in Older Adults

Identifying risk factors is the first step in reducing suicide in older adults. For many, these risks create a sense of hopelessness and feelings of loneliness that lead to depression and suicide; however, with proper treatment, these feelings do not have to persist.

Chronic pain
Loss of mobility
Social isolation
Feelings of loneliness
Depression
Grief at the loss of a loved one
Loss of independence
Declining health
Financial insecurity

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these risk factors, talk with a healthcare professional.

What Are the Signs of Mental Distress?

By understanding suicide risk in older adults, people can look for signs that may indicate mental distress. For example, older adults may show the following behaviors:

Mood swings
Self-medicating, leading to substance abuse
Risky behaviors
Withdrawing from normal activities
Expressing thoughts of hopelessness
Talking about loneliness

Even as they experience feelings of hopelessness or slip into depression, people over 60 often downplay changes in their mental health. They may also feel afraid of the stigma that comes with seeking help. As a result, they do not receive the assistance they need for their emotional well-being.

Strategies for Creating a Supportive Environment

Preventing suicide in older adults may require a multi-layered approach. Families, communities, and healthcare professionals working together can create a supportive environment that reduces suicide risk in older adults.

Family and Friends

Discussing changes in an older adult's life can be challenging, even for trusted friends or close family members. Older adults may resist what they see as interference or deny that they are struggling. However, friends and family can still build a supportive environment. Here are a few suggestions for addressing some common risk factors.

Social Interaction. Older adults need social interactions. Whether it's a check-in call or a ride to a community event, family members can maintain social connections and reduce seniors' loneliness.

Financial Insecurity. Living on a fixed income can also force older adults to cut back on groceries and medications. Consider including an older adult when eating out or dropping off leftovers. Gift cards to grocery stores and pharmacies can also help ease financial stress.

Grief. Grieving is a process that many older adults go through alone. However, organizations such as hospice and faith-affiliated groups, offer support for those losing a loved one. They help participants understand the grieving process and connect with those who share similar experiences.

Family members should educate themselves on factors associated with suicide risk in older adults and have contact information for suicide prevention support services readily available. They should also ensure the information is available to any at-risk older adult.

Communities

Communities also have a part to play in building a supportive environment to reduce suicide risk in older adults. Operating under the Colorado Department of Human Services, older adults have access to the State Unit on Aging.

The agency offers services through its 16 local area aging agencies. These agencies help residents with transportation, meals, care coordination, legal assistance, and other support services. Their goals are to reduce limitations and support independence for an aging population.

It's also recommended that anyone working with older adults be trained on depression and suicide screening methods in non-clinical environments. They should be versed in potential triggers that can lead to suicidal thoughts.

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to reduce suicide risk in older adults. Taking a few moments during appointments to check on senior mental health can result in early identification of risk factors.

Healthcare providers should be trained to identify substance abuse and screen for depression in older adults. They should also use diagnosis and treatment management tools for late-life depression. Rather than default to medication, healthcare providers should consider counseling referrals.

Medical professionals should not dismiss age-related health concerns, such as difficulty sleeping or chronic pain, as they can decrease the quality of life and increase thoughts of suicide. They should also communicate with patients and their caregivers about any treatment plans.

Depression and Suicide

Because depression and suicide are closely associated, routine screening for depression should be part of caring for an older adult. Early detection allows trained professionals to intervene and manage depression and suicidal thoughts. Treatment plans can include psychotherapy, antidepressants, and behavior modifications.

Community-based services should have documented guidelines for detecting late-life depression and a process for accessing the necessary resources for successful intervention. Individuals should also be trained in positive reinforcement techniques that encourage older adults who appear depressed or hopeless.

Creating a Compassionate World for Older Adults

Older adults over 60 face a changing social fabric where their social connections are reduced and their health declines. They may experience a loss of purpose and experience periods of hopelessness. Older adults may also minimize their declining mental health and establish barriers that are difficult to overcome.

However, creating a solid support system can counter the negative thoughts that increase suicide risk in older adults. With open conversation and ongoing education, older adults and those who care about them can reduce these risks.

Understanding Suicide Risk in Older Adults