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The Elderly and Suicide

The Elderly and Suicide. Debbie Merkel, BA Lincoln Health Care Center Mobile Crisis Specialist. The Elderly and Suicide- Facts. Elderly- people over the age of 65 13% of the population Account for 1/5 of all suicides

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The Elderly and Suicide

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  1. The Elderly and Suicide Debbie Merkel, BA Lincoln Health Care Center Mobile Crisis Specialist

  2. The Elderly and Suicide- Facts • Elderly- people over the age of 65 • 13% of the population • Account for 1/5 of all suicides • Individuals born between 1946-1965 are expected to commit suicide more than any other generation • 30,000 suicides annually

  3. The Elderly and Suicide- Facts • Every 97 minutes a person age 65 and over dies from suicide • Tend to be violent deaths • Senior suicide rates are most effective; 1 in every 4 attempts as compared to youth rate of 1 in every 150-200 attempts • Alcohol plays a diminished role in later life suicide

  4. The Elderly and Suicide- Facts • White males over 80 are six times more likely than the national average to commit suicide than other groups; twice that of the general population • 15 elderly suicides occur each day, resulting in 5,421 suicides in among those 65 and older each year. • The rate of suicide for women typically declines after age 60 (after peaking in middle adulthood ages 45-49)

  5. The Elderly and Suicide- Facts • The elderly are the LEAST likely to reach out to a crisis hotline than any other age group • Elder suicide may be under reported by 40% or more (silent suicides)- deaths for medical non-compliance- overdoses, self-starvation or dehydration which occur in nursing homes, or deemed accidents

  6. The Elderly and Suicide- Facts • Fastest growing segment of the US population is 85 or older; 2% of the total population • In 1990 there were 4 million people age 85 +; in 2040 there will be 40 million

  7. The Elderly and Suicide- Depression • Depression: serious medical condition that negatively affects how one FEELS, ACTS, and THINKS. It does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages. • Depression IS NOT a normal sign of aging • Depression occurs in about 15% of those 65+ (6 million seniors) no different than the general population as far clinical depression occurs • Only 10% of elderly sufferers actually seek out medical help

  8. The Elderly and Suicide- Depression • *80% of elders who go into a clinic, go in with physical issues which are psychiatrically driven • Tends to last longer in elderly adults • It doubles their risk of cardiac diseases and increases their risk of death from other illnesses • It reduces an elderly person’s ability to rehabilitate

  9. The Elderly and Suicide- Factors that Increase Depression • Being female • Being single, unmarried, divorced, or widowed’ • Lack of a supportive social network • Stressful life events • Lack of spirituality

  10. The Elderly and Suicide-Factors that Increase Depression • Family history of major depressive disorder • Living alone / social isolation • Past suicide attempts • Presence of severe or chronic pain • Previous history of depression • Recent bereavement • Substance abuse • Insomnia

  11. Diseases Thyroid Disorders Diabetes Parkinson’s Disease Multiple Sclerosis Strokes, Cancers Tumors Arthritis Visual Impairments Medications Blood pressure meds Arthritis meds Hormones Steroids The Elderly and Suicide- DepressionPhysical conditions and use of medications may actually lead to symptoms of depression.

  12. The Elderly and Suicide- Risk Factors • Differ for suicide among older person than among the young • Social Isolation- no social network; friends passing away; loneliness; loss of driver’s license • Physical Illness- or fear of prolonged illness; perceived poor health • Highest among divorced or widowed • Economic Pressures- living on fixed incomes

  13. The Elderly and Suicide- Risk Factors • Single, male, advancing in age • Significant life events- loss of a loved one; a move from their home to a facility; loss of independence / mobility; loss of health- don’t want to be a “burden” on family; retirement • Medications • Severe and Chronic pain • Alcohol abuse and/ or dependence • Access to Firearms

  14. The Elderly and Suicide- Warning Signs • Statements of hopelessness or helpless/ or about death- “I don’t know if I can go on”. “You’d be better off without me. I’m such a burden”. • Failure to take care of self or follow medical orders • Stockpiling medications • Sudden interest in firearms • Social withdrawal

  15. The Elderly and Suicide- Warning Signs • Elaborate goodbyes • Giving away personal items • Rush to complete or revise a will • Suddenly happy / peaceful after a period of gloominess or depression • Overt suicide threats

  16. The Elderly and Suicide- What to Look For • Look for a change in usual activity-Is there a change in function / activities? Not enjoying activities once enjoyed? • Changes in sleep pattern? Insomnia? Oversleeping? • Changes in appetite that result in weight losses or gains not related to dieting.

  17. The Elderly and Suicide- What to Look For • Loss of energy / increased fatigue • Restlessness or irritability • Frequent headaches, stomach aches, chronic pain, somatic complaints • Changes in personal hygiene/ housekeeping • Not eating properly

  18. The Elderly and Suicide- How to Help • Be aware of warning signs/ risk factors • Don’t be afraid to ask THE QUESTION/ QPR • Ask if they have a Plan • Keep them talking • Encourage them to get help/ Offer to make the call with them • Immediate danger, call 911

  19. The Elderly and Suicide- How to Help • Encourage Senior to get involved with the local Senior Center • Volunteer • Contact the Aging Disabilities Resource Center ADRC • Grief Support Groups • Attend Church groups / Affiliations

  20. The Elderly and Suicide- How to Help • Encourage Seniors to get check out / hook then up with Interfaith Volunteers • Help them obtain Meals on Wheels/ encourage them to go to MOW sites • Ask them about their faith- Parish visitors, pastors, church volunteers, interests • Get them tied into school or community groups that do outreach

  21. The Elderly and Suicide- How to Help • Encourage Seniors to eat a Healthy Diet • There is HOPE! • Help seniors find a purpose in life

  22. The Elderly and Suicide- How to Help • Medical needs- help them talk to their nurse or doctor (improve communication) may involve ROI • Assist seniors in obtaining transportation for appointments (or shopping)

  23. The Elderly and Suicide - Treatment • Psychotherapy- Behavioral Cognition Therapy • Medications- Antidepressants • Combination • Support Groups- Grief/ Bereavement

  24. The Elderly and Suicide References: Office of the Surgeon General Center for Disease Control and Prevention American Association of Suicidology National Institute of Mental Health Department of Mental Health

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