Elderly suicides in Ireland

A comparison is made between the male and female Irish suicide rates for the young (15-24 year-olds) and the old (over 65 years). The incidence of suicide among the elderly has traditionally been higher than among the young. While this continues to be the case for females the rates for young and old have recently converged. Within the over 65 year-old age group itself, a further comparison was made between the suicide rates of the 'young' old and 'old' old. In general, suicide is significantly more common in the 'young' old age group. The method of suicide employed by the elderly was then analysed. As expected hanging, drowning and poisoning were most common although the extent to which they were used differed for males and females. Twelve elderly suicides were examined as part of an on-going psychological autopsy study of Cork suicides. Information relating to their domestic, marital and psychological situation is discussed. Given these findings and those relating to method of suicide, the subject of suicide prevention in the elderly is discussed.