Even though older people make fewer suicide attempts than younger adults,1 they are more likely to die by suicide in almost all countries.2 Indeed, the lethality—or the medical seriousness—of suicide attempts is highest in older adults,3,4 perhaps because a more serious intent to kill oneself leads to a choice of more lethal means.5–8 In addition, older people often live alone and may, thus, be less likely to receive prompt treatment after a suicide attempt, and their preexisting physical illness may also increase the likelihood of death.
The increase in suicide rates in old age is largely because of suicides in older men. In the United States, the suicide rate sharply increases in men aged 70 and older in all races with highest absolute rates in white men. In women, the suicide rates peak in the 40s and 50s and decline afterward. Therefore, the se* difference in rates increases with age. This is true almost everywhere worldwide, even in China where overall suicide rates are higher in women, due to higher rates in younger women than in younger men.2 Although se* differences in risk factors for suicide attempts have been documented, for example, in major depression,9 to our knowledge no published reports have addressed se* differences in factors determining lethality of suicide attempts in late life.
The increase in suicide rates in old age is largely because of suicides in older men. In the United States, the suicide rate sharply increases in men aged 70 and older in all races with highest absolute rates in white men. In women, the suicide rates peak in the 40s and 50s and decline afterward. Therefore, the se* difference in rates increases with age. This is true almost everywhere worldwide, even in China where overall suicide rates are higher in women, due to higher rates in younger women than in younger men.2 Although se* differences in risk factors for suicide attempts have been documented, for example, in major depression,9 to our knowledge no published reports have addressed se* differences in factors determining lethality of suicide attempts in late life.
