Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Older Adults

By Julie HayesSeptember 16, 2024

Suicide among older adults is an often overlooked, public health concern. While conversations about mental health have become a lot more common and less stigmatized than in the past, the focus is frequently on younger generations, leaving older adults by themselves in the previous mindset of mental struggles being better left unspoken. Understanding the unique challenges faced by older adults is crucial in addressing this silent crisis and ensuring that those at risk receive the support and care they need.

The Stark Reality: Older Men at High Risk

Statistics reveal a troubling trend: older men, particularly those aged 85 and above, have the highest suicide rates of any age group. Several factors contribute to this heightened risk, including social isolation, the loss of a spouse or close friends, chronic illnesses and a decline in physical and cognitive abilities. The traditional societal expectation for men to be stoic “tough guys” can also prevent them from seeking help, leaving them to battle with feelings of loneliness and despair on their own.

Depression, often a precursor to suicide, can also manifest differently in older adults. While younger individuals may exhibit more overt signs of sadness, older adults may express their depression through physical complaints, withdrawal from social activities or irritability. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for normal aspects of aging, even by close loved ones. After all, “the cantankerous old man” has long been a staple in pop culture, to the extent that many people assume that aging naturally makes people grumpy and unhappy. In reality, an individual’s personality tends to remain quite stable throughout their lifespan, and while changes and developments do happen, they are usually gradual. A stark and sudden change can often be a sign that something worrying is happening beneath the surface.

Challenges and Barriers to Prevention

One of the most significant challenges in suicide prevention, especially among older men, is the stigma surrounding mental health. Many older adults grew up in an era where mental health issues were not openly discussed, and seeking help was seen as a sign of weakness. This can make it difficult for them to acknowledge their struggles or to reach out for assistance.

It’s also important to take into account the unique aspects at play in facing a mental health crisis late in life. For younger people, there is a certain amount of hope that can be found in the idea that things may get better with time. Alternatively, for older adults, the opposite can be feel true. They may not see themselves as having enough time to turn things around. Many have also lost the pillars in their lives that may have previously helped them persevere, like friends or their spouse.

This sentiment is also felt when an older adult is diagnosed with a chronic condition. While a younger person may feel more equipped to fight and overcome their condition, for older adults, that same condition may feel like the end of their life as they know it. Studies show that rates of suicide and suicidal ideation greatly increase in older adults after a diagnosis of dementia, cancer, heart disease or diabetes, especially in older adults with more than one condition. 

Offering Hope

To address this, it’s essential to create an environment where older adults feel comfortable discussing their mental health. Healthcare providers play a critical role in this effort. Routine screenings for depression and suicidal ideation should be a standard part of care for older adults, especially for those with chronic illnesses or who have experienced significant life changes, such as the loss of a spouse.

When an older adult receives a diagnosis of a chronic condition, it’s crucial to engage in compassionate, honest conversations about quality of life, emphasizing that a chronic condition, while life-altering, does not need to equate to a diminished life. By reframing the diagnosis from being a death sentence to a challenge that, with the right support and mindset, can be managed, older adults can be encouraged to focus on what they can still achieve and enjoy. Additionally, involving them in care planning and decision-making can give them a sense of control and purpose, reinforcing the belief that a fulfilling life is still within reach despite the diagnosis.

Building and maintaining a strong support network is also crucial in preventing suicide. Family members, friends, and caregivers should make a shared effort to stay connected with older loved ones. Regular phone calls, visits and involvement in social activities can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of belonging.

Resources

Preventing suicide among older adults requires a collective effort. By breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and building strong support networks, we can help older adults navigate the challenges of aging with dignity and hope. However, just as it shouldn’t fall on older adults to tackle depression alone, it shouldn’t fall on loved ones to tackle prevention without support. Here are resources older adults and loved ones should keep in mind:

1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or 988
  • Offers free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for loved ones and caregivers.

2. The Friendship Line

  • Phone: 1-800-971-0016
  • Website: ioaging.org/services/all-inclusive-health-care/friendship-line
  • Offers tailored support for adults aged 60 and older

3. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

4. Crisis Text Line

  • Text: “HELLO” to 741741
  • Website: crisistextline.org
  • Provides text-based interactions with a trained crisis counselor

5. AARP: Mental Health Resources for Caregivers

  • Website: aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2019/mental-health-caregiver-support.html
  • Provides resources focused on the mental health of older adults and their caregivers

7. VA Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

  • Phone: Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255
  • Website: mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention
  • Offers extensive mental health resources for veterans

8. ElderCare Locator

  • Phone: 1-800-677-1116
  • Website: eldercare.acl.gov
  • Connects older adults and their caregivers to local services and support for a variety of needs, including mental health and suicide prevention.

9. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline

  • Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
  • Website: nami.org
  • Provides information and support to people experiencing mental health issues, including older adults.

10. SAMHSA’s National Helpline

Description: Offers a confidential helpline for individuals facing mental health or substance use disorders.

Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Website: samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline