Possible factors that might produce lower risk among future elderly Americans are presented & it is argued that future trends are uncertain. Predictions of elderly suicide are made based on an assumption of stable rather than changing rates. Constant rates produce estimates of more than twice the current number of suicides & a proportionate increase in the number of suicides to 1 in 3 by the year 2030. Immediate efforts to lower elderly suicide risk & avert high future rates are recommended.