Loss of Partner and Suicide Risks Among Oldest old: a Population-Based Register Study

This study analysed the impact that the loss of a partner has on the suicide risk of the oldest old (80+ years)compared to younger age groups. The study group comprised the entire Danish population, aged 50+ during 1994-1998. Survival analyses showed that the majority of older persons who died by suicide were widowed, although only a relatively small proportion of the oldest old had experienced a recent loss of partner. In absolute terms, the oldest-old men experienced the highest increase in suicide risk immediately after their loss compared to middle-aged men who were still married. Oldest old men seem to suffer more from the loss & need longer to recover than women. (30 refs.)