Suicide in older people

Thirty-two percent of suicide deaths are among people over 65, and suicide attempts at this age often share clinical similarities with those of people who die by suicide. In fact, it is common for men over 60 to die by suicide on their first attempt. This gives us an idea of the magnitude of this situation, which leads us to develop a specific approach for these individuals.

In life, we constantly face changes, and the most significant are those that alter our lives. Old age is a relevant stage of life, in which the aging process becomes evident. During this period, situated at the extreme end of the life continuum, there will be major individual and social changes—losses .

• The onset of certain diseases and the loss of some bodily functions (loss of vision, hearing and sphincter control).
• Retirement, which often brings with it a sometimes inevitable feeling of "no longer feeling useful."
• The death of loved ones.
• The loss of social circles, social isolation, loneliness.
• A new awareness of death.
• The generation gap, with communication difficulties.

Older adults sometimes have difficulty performing certain activities and need support to attend medical appointments or follow treatment plans. Other times, they need support to do activities outside their homes, such as going for a walk.

Suicide among the elderly is a phenomenon that is often ignored or neglected, attracting less attention than suicide among younger people. It is essential to pay attention to the risk factors in this population.

When we detect that someone is having suicidal thoughts, it's essential not to ignore it and to ensure they receive help. We must offer them our support, showing understanding, active listening, patience, and empathy.

Risk factors in older people

• Depression is one of the most significant risk factors. Symptoms vary at this stage of life compared to other age groups. Often, there is no sadness, and instead, people may experience restlessness, loss of appetite, sleep problems, and so on.
• History of previous suicide attempts.
• Loss of interest or abandonment of activities. Abandonment of medical check-ups or refusal of care from third parties.
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness.
• Men who live alone or have little social or family support.
• Suffering abuse or neglect.
• Loneliness: feeling disconnected from one's social, family or friend circle.
• Adverse life events, such as the death of loved ones.
• Chronic diseases, mainly those involving pain or disability, that cause a change in social interaction or participation and in which there is associated psychological suffering.
• Feelings of guilt, lack of self-esteem, and helplessness.
• Cognitive rigidity.
• Alcohol abuse.

Special attention should be paid to situations such as:

• The expression of suicidal thoughts.
• Accidental ingestion of medications and medication accumulation.
• The discovery of farewell notes, recent changes in insurance or wills, or the delivery of important personal items.
• Neglecting self-care.

Protective factors in older people

One of the interventions in the prevention and treatment of suicidal behavior is to promote or enhance protective factors, such as the following:

• Family support that makes the person feel supported, recognized, and respected.
• Social support that makes her feel integrated and with a sense of belonging at a social level.
• Support from social resources that allow them to have housing, transportation, food and health care.
• Social skills that allow him to integrate into the changes that come with aging and develop interests that give him a daily routine.
• Self-confidence, self-control, adaptability, knowing how to ask for help in adverse times, and the ability to express unpleasant feelings.