Citation

King K, Schlichthorst M, Millar C, Sutherland G, Too LS. Crisis 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Publisher Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/0227-5910/a000747

PMID

33275054

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The rate of suicide among men aged 85 years or older is the highest of any age or gender group in many countries, but little is known about their pathways to suicide. Aims: This study aimed to determine the context of suicide by men aged 85 years or older.

METHOD: Data were extracted from the Victorian Suicide Register regarding suicide deaths between 2009 and 2015. Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare old men (65-84 years old) and older men (85 years or more), and old women and old men (both 65 years or more).

RESULTS: The context of suicide by older men differed significantly from that of old men, as did that of old men compared with old women, on variables related to suicidal behavior and intention, mental illness, mental health treatment, and life stressors. Limitations: The study is limited by the small numbers of deaths by suicide in this age group in Victoria.

CONCLUSION: The context of suicide by older and old men is different from that of old men and old women, respectively. More research is needed to understand the pathways to suicide by older men.

Language: en

Keywords

men; suicide; older people; coroner