In the U.S. the suicide rate per 100,000 population for people over 65 years of age declined from 22.5 in l970 to l7.8 in l980. To examine the risk factors, 6l7 cases were analyzed in San Francisco. The results included: men suicide up to a 4 times greater rate then women; in terms of ethnicity white males are at greatest risk; parallels with the general population include the same suicide rate for married people, methods & frequency. Suicide prevention services for the elderly are listed.