Attempted suicide in 40 elderly patients living in Scotland were studied. 17% had made previous suicide attempts. More than half of the cases were mentally ill, most commonly from depression. 60% of the cases had unsatisfactory physical conditions (e.g. cardiovascular disease). More than half the cases chose poisoning as their method of committing suicide & few of the attempts were impulsive. Loneliness, physical incapacity & fears were some reasons why suicide attempts were made. (8 refs.)