Presents data from medical examiners’ reports of 246 completed suicides of persons over the age of 50 yrs. The sample population conformed to epidemiologic studies with regard to sex distribution. With increasing age, more victims were widowed. Violent methods of suicide were more prevalent & alcohol use & psychiatric histories less common with aging. Physical illness & loss were the most common definable precipitants to suicide. Indications for future research & intervention are discussed.