Elderly Suicide: Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention Tips

A report by CNN citing the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that for every 100,000 deaths of men over 55 years old in 2021, 30 were suicide cases. This highlights the growing concern about mental health in seniors.

While many view old age as a chapter filled with cherished memories and wisdom, it carries unspoken psychological struggles. Loneliness is a perfect example of a struggle that leaves many seniors feeling hopeless. Without early intervention, this issue can lead to elderly suicide.

Suicide among older adults is a topic that really demands our attention. Learn about elderly suicide, its common causes, warning signs, and practical strategies to prevent it.

Understanding the Causes of Elderly Suicide

Knowing what may cause your elderly parent to intentionally take their lives allows for timely prevention measures. This problem stems from a myriad of social, psychological, physical, and economic factors.

By understanding these factors, it becomes easier to foster proper emotional support for seniors. Discover some underlying causes of suicide among seniors.

Social Causes

Several life changes that shrink social circles happen as individuals age, and these include:

• Retirement
• Relocation
• Loss of spouses and friends
• Divorce or separation
• Loss of interests

While they may be unavoidable, they cause most seniors to lose meaningful human contact. Seniors are left feeling disconnected from the world around them. This triggers feelings of isolation, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts.

Retirement makes seniors lose their social roles, which may impact their sense of self-worth. This is common in older adults who identify strongly with their careers.

Such seniors may feel that they have lost their purpose in life. As a result, they end up struggling with feelings of uselessness and despair, which trigger suicidal thoughts.

Many seniors are unable to cope with the loss of a loved one. They experience overwhelming sadness and anxiety about death. Loneliness and fear of their mortality put them at risk of committing suicide.

Psychological Causes

Old age comes with cognitive impairment, which triggers emotional problems. Neurotransmitters like serotonin become imbalanced, leading to drastic mood changes. Cognitive decline and dementia in seniors trigger suicidal feelings.

Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's disease tend to fear losing their autonomy. This fear becomes a burden, causing anxiety disorders and depression.

The fear of being a burden due to loss of self-sufficiency makes many seniors depressed. Your loved one may feel guilty that they are overdependent on you. This can make them reluctant to open up about their emotional problems, like suicidal thoughts.

Physical Causes

Old age makes many people vulnerable to chronic pain conditions like:

• Osteoarthritis
• Neuropathy
• Degenerative disc disease
• Cancer

The pain from these conditions significantly affects seniors' mental health. They cause intense discomfort, which leads to psychological distress and feelings of hopelessness.

Physical disabilities leave many seniors frustrated and sad about their lives. They lose their independence and sense of purpose, posing a risk of elderly suicide.

Economic Causes

Health risks in old age subject many seniors to unbudgeted medical bills. Other older adults outlive their retirement savings. Such factors can lead to financial stress and feelings of worthlessness.

Seniors who live below the poverty line fear becoming a financial burden to others. This may lead to depression and suicidal thoughts.

Warning Signs of Elderly Suicide

Many older adults don't openly discuss their suicidal intentions. That's why you need to know the various warning signs to help your loved one get comprehensive memory care and support early.

Depression is a major warning sign that your elderly friend or family member is suicidal. But do you know the senior depression warning signs?

Many depressed older adults tend to withdraw from activities they once loved. They start losing interest in their favorite hobbies, places, and interactions.

Don't ignore it when your loved one starts spending most of their time alone. This is a sign of despair, depression, and risk of suicide. Other signs of depression in seniors include:

• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Unexplained physical complaints
• Agitation or restlessness
• Expressions of hopelessness
• Declined personal care

A fixation on death is also a sign of suicidal ideation in seniors. Take action immediately if your aged loved one all of a sudden becomes interested in things like:

• Wills and trusts
• Estate planning
• Funeral arrangements
• Creation of autobiographies
• Unusual religious activities
• Death-related topics

Preventing Elderly Suicide

We have good news for you if your aged loved one shows signs of suicide. You can mitigate the risks and help them enjoy a happier life.

It's simple! Start by fostering a comfortable environment at home. Create a space where they can freely open up about their emotions.

Don't judge them or rush to interrupt them while talking. Be a good listener no matter how long they take.

Active listening and patience demonstrate that you care about how they feel. It also shows that you acknowledge and connect with how they feel.

Always foster open communication by asking questions like:

• Do you feel overwhelmed?
• Do you mind telling me what has been weighing on your mind?
• Have you had thoughts about harming yourself?
• What can I do to make things a little easier for you?

Always create a space of reassurance. Promise your loved one that they are not alone.

Ensure you have a good safety plan. For example, take your loved one regularly to a healthcare professional for checkups. This will help you monitor their mental and physical health, reducing suicide risks.

If you have a tight schedule, don't worry. Assisted living communities have quality senior mental health resources to help depressed and suicidal residents.

They offer quality amenities and services to enhance socialization. The services include exclusive programs and activities such as:

• Restaurant-style dining
• Educational programs
• Themed parties
• Wellness programs like exercise classes
• Housekeeping and maintenance

Caring for Older Adults

The heartbreaking reality of elderly suicide demands compassion and attention. St. Andrew's Village in Aurora, CO, offers the compassionate, comprehensive care your loved one needs.

We provide gourmet dining as well as personalized assisted living services and amenities to keep our residents happy and satisfied. Our amenities and services include an indoor pool, library, chapel, 24/7 team member support, media room, massage therapy room, and delicious healthy meals.

Call us today and let's help make life brighter for your elderly loved one.