Suicide and the Elderly (IN: Toward a Science of Family Nursing, ed. by C Gilliss et al)

This chapter details suicide among the elderly, & provides a breakdown by sex & ethnic group. The authors describe various theories which explain the motivations of seniors who commit suicide. Depression, bereavement, physical illness, isolation, & substance abuse are also discussed. The authors assert that nurses are often in the position to identify & assist those who are at risk for suicide. Case histories are provided. (VM)