Childlessness in Elderly Suicide: an Analysis of Coroner’s Inquests of 200 Cases of Elderly Suicide in Cheshire 1989-2001

This study explored whether childlessness has any significant association with elderly suicide & whether this differs between women & men. Data were extracted from coroners’ inquests in Cheshire. No significant gender difference in childlessness in elderly suicide victims (aged 60 & over) was found. The protective effect of having children appeared to diminish in old age. Childless females appeared to be at higher risk of dying in their first suicide attempt &, more importantly, could easily escape the attention of services. (14 refs.)