Year: 1991 Source: Crisis, v.12, no.2, (September 1991), p.33-39 SIEC No: 19910789

Those aged 60 yrs & older number 41 million, forming 7% of India’s population. The suicide rate among the elderly is higher than the national rate & data indicates that elderly suicide is increasing. Depressive disease is the leading cause for suicide, followed by physical diseases & poverty. Family integration & social integration were found to be more important than “living in the family” or “living alone”. Certain cultural suicide counters & current prevention services are discussed.