Suicide in the Elderly: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Prevention

Abstract

Suicide in the elderly is a growing problem. The elderly population is increasing, and elderly patients have multiple issues that place them at higher risk of suicidality. These issues include physical illnesses, mental illness, loss of functional status, isolation, and family, financial, and social factors. Access to firearms is another significant risk factor, because elderly patients are more likely to use firearms in suicide attempts; interventions to reduce firearms mortality may save lives. Tackling the difficult problem of suicide in the elderly may require a multidisciplinary, community-based series of interventions.

Keywords: Elderly; Geriatric; Multidisciplinary; Physician extender; Prevention; Risk factors; Suicide; Telehealth.