This article examines why males over the age of 75 have the highest suicide rate of any other social demographic. Risk factors are examined in the article such as major depression diagnosis without comorbid substance abuse or comorbid physical illnesses. This article also examines why older aged suicides demonstrate greater lethality of self-destructive behaviors compared to younger age groups. The findings in this article suggest that primary & secondary prevention efforts need to be further developed. This article also summarizes research findings & recent prevention efforts from various countries. (53 refs.) (AK)