A Hidden Epidemic: Suicide in the Elderly and How We Can Help.

Abstract

Suicide among older adults is a critical yet often overlooked public health concern, with this population exhibiting the highest suicide rates globally. This article explores the multifaceted factors contributing to suicide in older adults, including depression, loneliness, chronic illness, financial stress, and a loss of purpose. It also addresses challenges in identifying and preventing suicide, such as stigma, limited access to mental health services, and misclassification of cases. Current prevention strategies, including screening tools like the Geriatric Depression Scale, integrated care models, and community-based interventions, are discussed alongside ethical debates surrounding autonomy in end-of-life decisions. The article highlights critical research gaps in understanding how various social, cultural, and economic factors intersect to influence suicide risk in older adults. It underscores the need for longitudinal studies and culturally tailored interventions, particularly leveraging telehealth solutions to improve access to care. Recommendations for primary care physicians include enhancing suicide risk screening, fostering collaboration with mental health specialists, and leveraging community resources to reduce isolation. By adopting a comprehensive and collaborative approach, health care providers, researchers, and policymakers can address the unique needs of this vulnerable population and work toward reducing suicide rates among older adults.