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A systematic review of elderly suicide prevention programs.
Sylvie Lapierre1, Annette Erlangsen, Margda Waern
1Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada. sylvie.lapierre@uqtr.ca
Crisis
|May 24, 2011
Summary
Suicide prevention programs for older adults show promise, particularly those reducing risk factors like depression and isolation. However, more research is needed to improve resilience and protective factors in elderly individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Elderly individuals exhibit the highest suicide rates.
- Research on suicide prevention in old age is significantly underfunded and neglected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review interventions for suicidal elderly persons.
- To identify effective strategies and areas for future research in geriatric suicide prevention.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 19 empirical studies evaluating suicide prevention programs for adults aged 60 and older.
- Inclusion of studies with empirical evaluations of intervention programs.
Main Results:
- Most interventions focused on reducing risk factors like depression and isolation.
- Programs were more effective for women; positive outcomes included reduced suicidal ideation and community suicide rates.
- Few studies measured suicidality or focused on enhancing protective factors.
Conclusions:
- Future strategies should enhance resilience and promote positive aging.
- Engaging community gatekeepers and utilizing telecommunications are recommended.
- Further research should explore means restriction and physician education's impact on elderly suicide.
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