Trends in elderly suicide rates in the United Kingdom over a 24-year period, 1979-2002, were examined. Differences in suicide rates between elderly men & women & between the age-bands 65-74 years & 75 years & older were studied using data from the World Health Organization website. Suicide rates for both age-bands declined over the study period. Suicide rates were higher in men than women for both groups. In men, suicide rates were higher in the 75 & older age-band. Various national initiatives may have contributed to the decline in suicide rates. The challenge will be to sustain the decline given that the population is ageing & suicide rates generally increase with age. (27 refs.)