Citation

Altınöz AE, Yenilmez C, Öner SK, Yıldız P. Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 2019; 19(1): 66-69.

Affiliation

Department of Internal Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir, Turkey.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Japan Geriatrics Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/ggi.13569

PMID

30565823

Abstract

AIM: Studies have shown that the causes and methods of suicides differ among young and old individuals; consequently, it is important to identify the subgroups that are at high risk for suicide to aid in suicide prevention. The present study compared the causes and methods of suicides between 2002 and 2013 among older adults aged 65-69 years, 70-74 years and ≥75 years by completed crude suicide rate and sex.

METHODS: Data detailing sex, the causes and methods of completed suicides in older adults aged 65-69 years, 70-74 years and ≥75 years that occurred between 2002 and 2013 were drawn from the Turkish Statistical Institute.

RESULTS: In all age groups, crude suicide rates were threefold more frequent among men than among women. In both sexes, the most frequent suicide cause was mental illness. In the group aged 65-69 years, the most common cause of suicide was financial difficulty for men and marital conflict for women. The most frequent suicide method among older adults of both sexes was hanging. In all age groups, firearms use was more common among men and jumping from a high place was more common among women.

CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that the most common suicide cause in both sexes and in all age groups was mental illness in Turkey. To prevent suicidal behavior in older adults,; it is important to diagnose mental disorders, such as mood disorders and substance abuse, and to treat them quickly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; ••: ••-••.

© 2018 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Language: en

Keywords

cause; method; old age; sex; suicide