Suicide is more than a tragic event that could have been avoided; it is a major public health issue that affects men and women of all ages. As reported by the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in the United States in 2019.

Death by suicide is a major source of concern among older adults in particular:

Despite the fact that older adults account for only 12 percent of the population, they account for approximately 18 percent of all suicides.
Over 47,000 suicides took place in the United States in 2017, with 8,500 of those occurring in people aged 65 and up, according to the latest statistics.
Suicide plans for older adults tend to be more meticulous. They are also more likely to employ more lethal methods of self-defense.
One in every four seniors who attempt suicide will succeed, compared to one in every 200 youths who attempt suicide. Seniors who attempt suicide are less likely to recover from the consequences of their actions than younger people.
Men over the age of 65 have the highest overall suicide rate of any age group.
What factors contribute to the increased risk of suicide in older adults?
Suicidal ideation and behavior is common among older adults for a variety of factors. Loneliness has been discovered to be at the top of the list. Many seniors are confined to their homes and are on their own. It is possible that they will lack the social connections they require to thrive if their spouse has recently passed away and there are no family members or friends nearby.

Other factors that contribute to suicidal ideation in older adults include:

Family and friends who have passed away: Adults who live long enough may begin to lose cherished family members and friends as a result of illness or old age. They may be preoccupied with their own mortality and be preoccupied with their own anxiety about dying. For some, this "age of loss" is overwhelming, and feelings of loneliness and hopelessness can become even more intense.

Loss of self-sufficiency: Seniors who were once able to dress, drive, read, and participate in an active life may now find themselves struggling with a sense of loss of self. They may be nostalgic for the person they used to be, who was independent and full of life.

Chronic illness and pain: Older adults are more likely than younger adults to suffer from illnesses and chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These conditions can cause pain and mobility issues, which can have a negative impact on one's quality of life. Seniors may also experience loss of vision and other senses, such as hearing, which makes it more difficult for them to participate in the activities they enjoy.

Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: According to a recent study, older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia were at a higher risk of suicide. When a person's cognitive function is impaired, it can have an impact on their decision-making abilities and increase their impulsivity.

Financial difficulties: Older adults who live on a fixed income may find it difficult to pay their bills or put food on the table for their families. Suicidal thoughts can arise when someone is already dealing with health issues or grief, and financial stress can be a trigger for these feelings.

The physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that older adults face can result in feelings of depression, which can progress to clinical depression over time if left untreated or ignored. Chronic feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in one's activities characterize clinical depression, which is a type of mood disorder that affects the brain. While the majority of people who suffer from clinical depression do not commit suicide, having major depression increases the likelihood of doing so.

What are the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation in older adults?
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is an important first step in preventing suicide. Along with the expression of suicidal intent, there are certain behaviors that can indicate that an older adult is contemplating self-harm. These behaviors include: These are some examples:

Their interest in activities that they used to enjoy is waning.
Giving away treasured possessions or altering their intentions.
Refraining from participating in social activities.
Neglecting one's own well-being, medical regimens, and personal grooming.
Having a preoccupation with death is a bad sign.
Unconcerned about one's own personal safety.

How to provide support to someone who is contemplating suicide
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline outlines five steps you can take if you know an older adult who is contemplating suicide, according to the organization's website.

Ask. Don't be afraid to speak directly to the person who is in danger. "Are you contemplating suicide?" and "How can I assist you?" are examples of questions that can be used to start a conversation in a supportive and unbiased manner. Make sure to pay close attention to their responses and to acknowledge their emotional distress. Assist the individual in remaining focused on all of the reasons why they should want to continue living.

Please be present. If you are able to, be physically present for the person in order to alleviate feelings of isolation and to foster a sense of belonging in the situation. If a face-to-face visit is not possible, make yourself available to them via phone or video calls at all times. Work with the individual to identify others who may be willing to lend a hand if the situation requires it. Remember not to make any promises that you will not be able to fulfill.

Keep them safe at all times. Check to see if the person has made any attempts on their life in the recent past. Is there a specific plan or a specific time frame in mind? Do they have access to the method of self-harm that they have planned? Knowing the answers to these questions can assist you in determining whether or not this individual is in immediate danger of being killed. In general, the more detailed a person's suicide plan is, the greater the likelihood that they will commit suicide. When a person is on the verge of committing suicide, they may require more intensive intervention. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) can be a valuable resource in assisting you in determining the best course of action to take.

Assist them in making connections. If you have a senior in your life who is contemplating suicide, it is critical that they establish support systems on which they can rely now and in the future when they are in distress. Among the resources available to them are suicide prevention hotlines like the Lifeline as well as resources available in their own local community. Find out if the person who is at risk is currently receiving treatment from a mental health professional. If you don't know where to start, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a searchable, confidential directory of mental health providers located throughout the United States.

Make a note of it and come back to it later. Following up with high-risk populations has been shown to reduce the number of suicide-related deaths, according to research. It's important to follow up with the vulnerable person after you've had your initial conversation with them and assisted them in establishing a support network. With a simple phone call, text message, or even a handwritten note, this can be accomplished. If there is anything else you can do to assist them in getting through this difficult time, please do so! When it comes to saving a life, the simple act of reaching out and demonstrating concern can truly make all the difference.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, there is assistance available. More information on suicide prevention can be found at SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.