Year: 1978 Source: Gerontologist, v.18, no.5, (1978), p.488-495 SIEC No: 19820200

The consistently high suicide rates of older white males provide a strong rationale for increased study of the geriatric suicide problem. Data related to white males aged 60 & older who killed themselves in Arizona during 1970-75 are presented. Also included are discussions of: the typical means of lethality employed; geriatric suicide rates; clues to geriatric suicides; the suicidal scenario in late life; & the roles of the confidant, the physician, & of retirement.