Suicidal thought and self-transcendence in older adults

1. The suicide rate for adults over 65 years of age is the highest rate for suicide in any age group, and the rate is projected to increase. 2. To address a clinical concern, such as suicide, clinicians and researchers must identify factors that are specific to each population at high risk. This study chose to examine self-transcendence, which is thought to be specific to older adults' success in meeting the multiple changes of later life. 3. Two questions that address self-transcendence are: "Who is most meaningful (important) to you now?" and "What is most meaningful (important) to you now?" If an older adult is unable to answer these questions, a suicide risk assessment should probably be done.