This study evaluated the impact of common late-life mental disorders on the life expectancy & causes of death of 809 older psychiatric patients. Dates & causes of death during a 5.75-year follow-up period were collected. 3 of 265 deaths were suicides. Age, gender, race & medical comorbidity made significant independent contributions to survival. Patients with mood disorders were more likely to have died from disorders of the digestive system and suicide. All suicide victims were white males.