It would seem that the United States’ suicide rate has been remarkably steady in recent years. However, this stability may be more apparent than real. While it is true that the total suicide rate has varied little, this composite figure masks a dramatic shift in risk of suicide by age. In recent years there has been a reduction of suicide at older ages reciprocated by an unprecedented increase of suicide at younger ages. The extent of this change during the period 1966-1975 is explored.(SIEC)