[Suicide at the age of retirement]

Canadian statistics show an increase in the number of suicides by newly retired pensioners in Quebec. Quebec and Ontario mortality rates by suicide of persons between the ages of 67 and 69, are second only to those of Manitoba. After investigating the health care field of the Mauricie and Outaouais regions, a group of researchers were able to identify suicidal behaviors. Based on their report, this article--written by one of the researchers--answers questions such as: What happens to people when they reach retirement age? What makes new pensioners vulnerable to suicide? Is their suicide preventable? What is the best nursing intervention? This article presents an alarming situation where nurses will need to implement elements of prevention. The idea that the first month of retirement is critical for a pensioner, is well spelled out. Nurses have an important role to play in teaching these persons how to live differently and to value their new lifestyle. Counselling suggestions for nurses include: establish a climate of confidence; evaluate whether or not they are an immediate suicide risk; find the best time to communicate so that you are certain they are hearing you; talk to them about death without moralizing; try to help them find solutions to overcome their crisis; let them talk about their desire to commit suicide and show that you understand their suffering. Help them to accept that there are no miracle solutions. What answers there are must be worked out and not bought on the market.