Year: 1993 Source: Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, v.31, no.7, (1993), p.26-31 SIEC No: 19931034

This qualitative study explored the meaning of suicide to the elderly & how suicide becomes an alternative for them. Results indicate that elderly subjects gave considerable thought to the end of their lives. For them, suicide was frequently viewed as a way of maintaining control over the dying process. The elderly describe their views on who makes the decision about when death will occur, when suicide is acceptable, & how they would like others to respond to their suicidal ideation. (14 refs.)