[Suicide in elderly people: A comparison between Southern Cone and Iberian Peninsula countries]

Among aging populations, there is evidence of an increase in mental health diseases and suicides. This paper aims to analyze comparatively the trends in suicide among people aged 65 and over in countries of the Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) and the iberian peninsula (Spain and Portugal).

A quantitative, descriptive and comparative study from a socio-demographic perspective was carried out. Based on data from the United Nations, crude and adjusted specific mortality rates (MR) attributable to suicide were calculated between 2002 and 2019, and their trends were analyzed by applying joinpoint regression models.

Differences in MR and an excess male mortality were observed in all countries, with the highest levels in Uruguay (Male MR 2019: 67.2 and 14.2 per 100,000 persons, respectively). The male MR increased with age and the female MR remained stable. Except for Uruguay, the MR decreased significantly in the whole population (average annual change, 2002-2019: Argentina: -3.9%; 95%CI: -4.6; -3.3%; Chile: -1.4%; 95%CI: -2.6; -0.3%; Spain: -2.0%; 95%CI:-3.0; -1.0%; Portugal: -2.2%; 95%CI: -2.8; -1.6%). However, when the MR were disaggregated by sex, they showed this decline did not take place among women from Chile and Uruguay, and some women from Spain and Portugal.

Suicide level among elder people shows disparities between regions and countries, mostly in men. However, a decreasing trend is observed, particularly among men in some countries.