Data from death certificates in Kentucky in 1987 & 1988 for persons 65 years & older were analyzed. There were 205 suicides in the 2-year study period. Suicide rates were higher for the elderly than for any other population group. White men, the group at highest risk, committed approximately 80% of the suicides in the elderly group. Suicide among minorities was rare. Despite their high risk of suicide, elderly white men are underrepresented in terms of psychiatric admissions. (17 refs.)