Studies of attempted suicide in old age published between 1985-1994 are critically reviewed. Despite methodological weaknesses, the studies consistently identified a number of factors long regarded as being associated with suicidal behaviour in old age including being unmarried, social isolation, impaired physical health, high suicidal intent, & mental illness. In contrast to earlier research, recent studies have found relationship problems to be a prominent factor. Future studies should be prospective, longitudinal, use standardized measures, matched control groups, & include evaluations of post-suicide attempt interventions, hopelessness, & central serotonergic activity. (40 refs.)