Suicide in the Elderly Group

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 Abstract

All human beings have the right to life, and no one should attempt to take away their life. The

number of the elderly who commit suicide is on the rise. The paper will discuss the causes and

reasons why older adults commit suicide. The families and next of kin are also affected

negatively if one of their own has committed suicide. There are clear signs which can help

those in the nursing home to move and prevent the act. It has implication both socially and

economically to the community. Elderly Suicide can be committed using medications or

physical means. It should be stopped at all cost because it is not okay at all. There are diseases

which depress the older adults prompting them to commit suicide. The paper will discuss all

predisposing factors, danger signs and how to stop elderly from committing suicide.

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 Suicide for the Elderly

The problem of elderly suicide is far-reaching in the United States. The elderly account for more

than 18% of all suicidal cases in the United States. The percentage is being huge bearing in mind

that those in age 65 years and above only makes 13% of the United States population. The

primary cause of this suicide is high cases of untreated depression in the whole country

(Cattell, H.2000). There is the need to recognize elderly with depression and treat it effectively to

avoid the cases of elderly suicide.

Research has shown that 30% of the older experience depression in their life. The problem is our

society which believes that depression is the normal part of aging. It is not true at all. This belief

should be shunned completely. Depression is a medical and psychological condition; it is not

good for the person of any age. The cause of depression is imbalances of chemicals in our brains

(Salib, E.1997). The case of chemical mismatch is very common in the elderly, and medications

can well treat it. Trained medics should do a thorough physical examination to identify if any

physical conditions might be causing depression symptoms.

The rate of suicide in the elderly

The figures on the older can be found in the study which was done by the American

Association of Suicidology which is very elaborate. The case of suicide is higher in the white

males over which are the greatest risk than other groups. The population is the elderly is 13% of

entire population. About 15 to 18% of the old commits suicide. The rate of committing suicide

in those above 65 years is almost 15 out of 100,000 suicidal cases. The white men of over 65

years account for the 29 of 10,000 cases. On the other hand, white males over 85 years account

for the 47 of every 100,000 suicidal cases. The rate of suicide

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 cases goes down in the women after attaining the age of 65 years. The use of firearms to commit

suicides accounts for 71 percentages. Males alone account for 84 percent of elderly suicide.

Predisposing factors for Elderly Suicide

There are some risk factors which increase the occurrence of elderly suicide. The first factor is

white males who are 85 years and above. Older people have imbalances in neurotransmitters in

the brain. Another predisposes prolonged illness in the elderly. Old people have the chronic

disease which leads to depression causing suicide (Cattell, H.2000). Constant or ongoing

chronic pain makes the old to commit suicide. They believe it is only death that will stop the

continued pain in their life.

On the other hand, untreated depression is a prerequisite to elderly suicide. Medical professionals

should diagnose depression cases and treat it properly. If the depression is not regarded, there are

high chances of the elderly committing suicide. Besides, severe terminal illness contributes

significantly to the cases of elderly suicide. Those in nursing homes should provide comfort to

the elderly to avoid a risk of committing suicide.

Furthermore, if a spouse to an older dies, it will lead to death. The remaining partner will remain

lonely and probably stay in social isolation (Waern, M et.al.2003). The young ones should

always be around to be the older person company so that they don’t opt for suicide. Lastly, in

the recent change in a living situation of an old person, for example, moving to a nursing home

is likely to lead to suicidal attempts. They should be advised and guided so that the changes in

their life don’t bother them much. The use and abuse of alcohol or drugs of abuse can lead to

tendencies of elderly abuse. Though not major, it should be looked into seriously to protect the

lives of the elderly.

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 Diseases, medical and physical problems which cause depression symptoms

To prevent old suicide, we must identify medications and conditions which bring symptoms of

depression. Understanding the role of depression in elderly suicide, we must control all problems

leading to its symptoms.

Physical challenges and diseases are capable of causing depression symptoms. They include

some tumors, diabetes in the elderly, Parkinson’s disease, thyroid disorders and multiple

sclerosis. These conditions cause symptoms of depression which are likely to cause suicide in the

elderly. The conditions must be treated and managed properly (Cattell, H.2000).

Some of the medications cause depression symptoms. The older people have the chronic illness

which needs constant treated. Some of the drugs over an extended period are likely to cause

depression symptoms. The drugs have adverse effects if used for the prolonged period. Examples

of such drugs include steroids, arthritis medication, hormones and blood pressure medication.

Warning signs for suicide in the elderly

Those nursing the old either at home or in the nursing homes should be aware of suicidal

warning signs. It is only they could come in and address the issues affecting elderly. If we are

not fast with this knowledge, cases of elderly suicide will continue to arise.

The older person will appear like someone who is feeling like being trapped in some situation,

for example, chronic pain. It is the best opportunity for caretakers to find out what is causing the

pain to the older person and try to alleviate the pain. Also, they will appear as if they are unable

to find a solution to a bad situation. It should be picked early to avoid the elder resorting to

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 suicide. Elderly should be taken care of in a similar manner to young children. They should not

be left alone because loneliness is a predisposing factor for depression and eventually suicide.

The next danger signs are depression symptoms. If the elder person is oversleeping or has lost

sleep than normal, probably there is a problem somewhere. Sad mood and crying without any

discernible reason in the elderly is depictive of depression (Cattell, H.2000). It can reach a time

when the older person withdraws from social interactions. They will be seen giving away their

possessions and sometimes start talking about suicide.

Looking after the elderly entails a lot of dedication and determination. We should be careful in

identifying the danger signs to evade possible eventuality. They should be talked to

occasionally so that they continue having the sense of worthiness.

Effects of elderly suicide on the family

It is said that blood is always thicker than water. It is nothing but the truth. Losing your loved

one is traumatizing to the whole family. It is very devastating to the family members and

even friends. Suicide is something unexpected, unlike natural death.

If the person is killed in cold blood, you will be mad at the murderer and sad for the deceased

person. But when someone commits suicide you will feel sorrowful and be angry at them at the

same time. The family will miss the person because every individual has a role to play. The

elderly are the figureheads of their families; they are there to give advice to the young ones. Most

of the elderly are simple of unity in the household. It is understood if an elder dies because of

natural cause but not through suicide (Waern, M et.al.2003)

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 The person leaves behind unanswered question on why he/she committed suicide. No peace used

to exist when they were alive. The young ones feel abandonment which cannot be solved.

Preventing Elderly suicide

Talking and discussing death does not necessarily mean or create the desire of committing it.

The old should be asked politely if they feel like taking away their lives. If they don't intend to

commit suicide, they will tell you without hesitating. If they decide to show that they have a

feeling of committing suicide, you get relieved in some ways (Henriksson, M. M., et.al.1995). It

is because the majority of the people feel shame for having the suicidal feeling. It will help you

learn they are depressed in one way or the other.

It is the time to pick warning signs of elderly suicide. If you suspect possibilities of depression or

having suicidal thoughts, take necessary action of taking the old to the qualified physician.

Explain to them the availability of proper medication that is likely to help them until their

problems are correctly solved. In case you learn their substantive issues, be of help in finding

solutions. The primary reason for committing suicide is because the victim does not have the

possible solution to their problems (Waern, M et.al.2003)

The elderly should be given attention that they deserve. If they are on any medication, you must

ensure that they were taking right treating and the medication schedule must be followed as

recommended. Other family members are required to spend more time with the elderly to avoid

loneliness. The social activity must be increased by encouraging friends and family members to

pay the old a visit.

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 In conclusion, the elderly suicide is leading in all cases of death in the United States. White

males of 85 years and above are at increased risk of elderly suicide. The causes and danger signs

of elderly suicide should be considered in preventing it. The case of depression in the elderly is

not a regular occurrence. Depression should be diagnosed and d treated appropriately to reduce

old suicide cases.

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 References

Henriksson, M. M., Marttunen, M. J., Isometsä, E. T., Heikkinen, M. E., Aro, H. M.,

Kuoppasalmi, K. I., & Lönnqvist, J. K. (1995). Mental disorders in elderly suicide. International

Psychogeriatric, 7(02), 275-286.

Salib, E. (1997). Elderly suicide and weather conditions: is there a link? International journal of

geriatric psychiatry, 12(9), 937-941.

Waern, M., Rubenowitz, E., & Wilhelm son, K. (2003). Predictors of suicide in the old adults.

Gerontology, 49(5), 328-334.

Cattell, H. (2000). Suicide in the elderly. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 6(2), 102-108.

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