The incidence of suicide increases after the age of 60, and the rate of suicide is highest in older men. Older people are generally successful at suicide attempts.
The following are suicide risk factors :
- Chronic painful, or disabling disease
- Loneliness and isolation
- Preoccupation with suicide, talking about it constanly
- Previous suicide attempts
- A family history of suicide
- Substance abuse
- Depression, even if the person is or has been under treatment
- Excessive feelings of guilt
- Financial problems
- Recent loss of a spouse
An important point for the nurse to remember is that an older person who talks about suicide or is severely depressed is at especially high risk.
Reference :
Farrell J : Nursing Care of the Older Person, J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1990.
