Particularities of suicide in the elderly. A population-based study

Background and aims: Suicide in later life stages is of growing concern as the life expectancy of Western populations is rising. Therefore, a population-based study concerning elderly suicide was undertaken. Methods: The study included 1008 suicides in Middle Franconia (Bavaria/Germany) between 2004 and 2007. Data was analyzed regarding gender, method chosen, initiating motive and chronobiological factors at the time of death. Results: Higher rates of suicides were observed in the population at risk over 65 years old, in both sexes (age-adjusted suicide rate per 100,000 inhabitants for men: 42.52; 95% CI 8.64–37.47; for women: 8.64; 95% CI 6.81–10.96). There were significant differences regarding the method chosen (χ2=21.3; df=6; p=0.002) and the underlying motive, “mental/physical illness”, was the predominant Stressor (χ2 =73.0; df=6; p<0.001). Conclusions: Suicide in the elderly population differs significantly from that in younger people. Understanding of this phenomenon must be further elucidated, since suicide is difficult to prevent, and its risk is expected to increase still further among the elderly.