Presents a study of 95 suicide attempters between 60 & 90 years of age. The study found that most of the group was composed of men, a high degree of premeditation was usually involved, firearms were often used, & many of the elderly were ill, lived alone, & had a history of major psychiatric illness. The author recommends that increased attention, especially by physicians, to alcohol abuse & depression among the elderly is required. (14 refs.) (VM)