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This month's topic...

Elder suicide in Virginia

Our seniors in Virginia are at risk for suicide. I recently saw a reference to the findings of a report related to elder suicide in Virginia. I was shocked to see the statistics for suicide completion in our over 60 year old age group.

The report is titled “Elder Suicide in Virginia: 2003 to 2007 from the Virginia Violent Death Reporting System” issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Virginia Department of Health. The report uses data collected from 2003 to 2007 through the Virginia Violent Death Reporting System (VVDRS). The Virginia reporting system is part of a national effort by participating states to track violent death trends in order to formulate prevention approaches and interventions to reduce these tragedies.

I found the following findings taken from the page 1 summary of the report very troubling:

“Highlighted Findings

  • An average of 16.1% of Virginia’s population is elderly (persons ages 60 and older).
  • There were 970 elder suicides from 2003-2007, for a rate of 16.0 per 100,000 persons.
  • Elderly adults have a higher risk for suicide than non-elderly adults.
  • Elderly males are six times more likely to commit suicide than elderly females.
  • Whites are more than three times more likely to commit suicide than Blacks.
  • As males age, their risk for suicide increases; as females age their risk decreases.
  • Marriage is a protective factor for males, while other marital status’ increase risk. Being widowed or never married decreases suicide risk for females.
  • A firearm is the most common method of fatal injury used by males and females; the rate of suicide by firearm is more than 12 times higher for males than females.
  • Elder suicide rates are typically higher in the southwestern region of Virginia and lower in the northern region.
  • Mental health problems were noted for 46.5% of elder suicide victims; physical health problems were a factor for 52.0%.
  • Most elder suicide victims do not present classic warnings of suicide by disclosing intent to commit suicide or having prior suicide attempts.”

I was struck by the significant influence of marital status on the male suicide statistic. It seems that elder males who committed suicide were far more likely to be widowed, divorced or never married. Females did not have similar risks associated with their marital status. I am at a loss to explain this difference but it is significant. Maybe single men are more isolated than women? Maybe loneliness plays a role? Maybe they don’t get needed support or help managing health problems? The report also notes that many of the elder suicide victims had experienced a crisis of some sort within the 24 hours prior to the suicide.

So, what can we do? Increase our awareness of the risks for suicide in our senior population. Understand the impact marital status has on the elder male suicide risk in particular. Be alert for the influence of physical and/or mental health problems on suicide risks in this population. Be especially watchful when our elders experience a crisis of any sort.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone you love consider speaking to a qualified mental health professional. This could be someone in private practice or someone associated with a municipal Mental Health Department. Please don’t overlook your physician as a resource as well.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 if you have concerns you would like to discuss. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Follow this link to read the entire report.

Other reports and publications from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for Virginia are available at the Virginia Department of Health web site.

If you are not from Virginia, contact your State Medical Examiner’s Office to check for similar reports.