Particularities of Suicide in the Elderly. A Population-Based Study

A population-based study of elderly suicide was undertaken, including 1008 suicides in Middle Franconia between 2004-2007. Data was analyzed regarding gender, methods, initiating motive, & chronobiological factors at the time of death. Higher rates of suicide were observed in the population at risk over 65 years old, in both genders. There were significant differences regarding methods & underlying motive. Mental/physical illness was the predominant stressor. Suicide in the elderly population differed significantly from that in younger people. (28 refs.) JA