This study investigated whether a state of subjective anomia influenced the feelings of hopelessness & depressive-suicidal tendencies in elderly persons (65+ years) who were not in psychotherapeutic treatment. A significantly higher feeling of anomia was found in the old-old group compared to the group of young-old, females & a group of low socioeconomic status. Anomia was shown to be a good predictor of future thoughts of hopelessness, depressive feelings & suicidal ideation, & loss of control.