Unnatural death in the elderly : A forensic study from western norway

The objective of the study was to determine the unnatural manner and causes of death in older people, defined as individuals at least 60 years of age at the time of death. A series of medico-legally examined deaths in older people, who were examined between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2003, and whose deaths were considered unnatural after forensic examination were studied. All deaths took place in western Norway, in two whole counties and the north part of a third county, including one large Norwegian city and one medium-sized city on the west coast of Norway. Of the 2425 forensic examinations performed in the time period, 1169 were 60 years or older at the time of death. Of these, 228 deaths were categorized as accidental, suicidal, or homicidal. Drowning was the most common lethal accident in elderly males, whereas fatal traffic accidents were more frequent in women. Alcohol intoxication was very common among male drowning victims, and none of the drowning victims had used a life-saving floating device. None of the elderly traffic victims were intoxicated. Death after a falling accident in the home is probably underreported. Suicide is more common among elderly men than women. Among men, hanging was the most common cause of death, whereas intoxication resultiong from drug overdose and drowning were the most frequent causes of death in women. Cancer was present in 19% of the suicide victims, all men. Serious disease may be a predisposing factor for suicidal behavior. Homicide is uncommon as a manner of unnatural death among the elderly.