Suicide mortality trends among the Finnish elderly population in 1960-1979 were examined on the basis of official statistics. As a cause of death, suicide was more common in the elderly than in the population aged 15-64 years. Suicide mortality remained unchanged among the elderly population between 1960 and 1979. Peaks were not found to coincide with economic recessions. On the other hand, suicide mortality among the population aged 15-64 years increased. The authors propose that international comparisons be undertaken. (32 refs)