Factors Associated With the Recent Decline in Suicide Rates in the Elderly in England and Wales, 1985-1998

This study examined the association between a trend of decline in age-specific suicide rates in the elderly in England & Wales & changes in various health & social factors for the period, 1985-1998. Changes in the number of general practitioners & hospital medical staff, the hospital psychiatric services, the number of local authority staff, & the number of elderly residents in accommodation supported by a local authority were found to be associated with a decline in elderly suicide rates. This effect should be viewed in the context of other health & social factors. (24 refs.)