Year: 2000 Source: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, v.15, no.10, (October 2000), p.904-910 SIEC No: 20011660

When compared to suicide rates in the general population, it may be expected that elderly suicide rates would be lower in Catholic & Orthodox societies than in non-Catholic or non-Orthodox countries because of religious affiliations & extended family traditions. National suicide rates in the general population were compared with rates in the sub-population of those aged over 75 years. Proportionately, there are significantly higher suicide rates in elderly men in Catholic & Orthodox countries, compared to rates in other countries, with a trend for similar findings among women. There may be important implications on health & social policy & clinical practice in the efforts to reduce suicide rates among elderly people. (40 refs.)