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Elderly suicide: a 10-year retrospective study.

A T Bennett1, K A Collins

  • 1Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Pathology, Charleston 29425, USA.

The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|June 8, 2001
PubMed
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Elderly suicide rates are rising, with older adults being more successful. This study analyzed 78 elderly suicides (65+) from 1988-1997, finding firearms were the most common method.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Pathology
  • Gerontology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Suicide rates in individuals aged 65 and older have shown an increasing trend since 1980.
  • Elderly individuals attempt suicide less frequently than younger populations but exhibit higher success rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively analyze suicide cases among individuals aged 65 and older.
  • To identify demographic characteristics and methods used in elderly suicides.

Main Methods:

  • Review of 78 suicide cases aged 65+ referred to the Forensic Pathology Section (1988-1997).
  • Analysis included age, race, sex, method, time of year, toxicology, psychiatric, social, and medical history, and presence of a suicide note.
  • Cases underwent autopsy (41%) or external examination (59%).

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Main Results:

  • Victims ranged from 65 to 94 years, with an average age of 73.
  • Males constituted 85% and whites 94% of the victims.
  • Firearm use was the predominant method (80.7%), followed by overdose (6.4%) and hanging (3.8%).

Conclusions:

  • Firearms are the most common method of suicide among the elderly in this population.
  • Understanding demographic patterns and methods is crucial for targeted suicide prevention strategies in older adults.