This article first reviews the prevalence of suicide among older Americans & how it has changed over time. Focusing on completed suicide, it considers the characteristic intent & implementation of suicidal behaviour in older people, & reviews existing literature on risk factors. It reviews the evidence for effectiveness of preventive interventions designed to improve recognition & treatment of at-risk elders through the primary care provider’s office & by community outreach. Finally, it provides recommendations that concern research, clinical care, education, & public policy priorities for late life suicide prevention. (134 refs.)