Too old to Live, too Young to die: an Analysis of Vulnerability of the Elderly for Suicide

This presentation discussed a preliminary investigation of self-destructive behaviour among the elderly. All officially recorded deaths in North Carolina during 1972-1977 formed the basis of analysis. During the study period there were 847 suicides in people 60 years of age or older. Prevailing theories on elderly suicide & high risk groups in the elderly population were examined. Implications of the findings for the theoretical understanding & efficacy of intervention & prevention strategies were discussed.