Suicidal behavior in late life

Suicide is a leading cause of death for older adults, particularly older men. Risk factors for death by suicide among older adults include psychiatric diagnosis, poor physical health, dementia and cognitive deficits, difficulties in relationships, social isolation, personality traits such as low openness to experience and neuroticism, and access to firearms. Although risk factors are important in the identification of high-risk versus low-risk groups, a comprehensive theory (e.g., the interpersonal theory of suicide) is needed to accurately distinguish individuals who die by suicide from individuals with these risk factors who do not die by suicide. The constructs of suicidal desire in the interpersonal theory of suicide (i.e., thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness) have been studied in older adult populations, but more research is needed to examine the relation between acquired capability for suicide and suicidal behavior in older adult populations. Furthermore, suicide-specific interventions and interventions that directly target depression have led to reductions in suicide risk for older adults.