Citation

Cortero H, McCullom W, Kochuba M. Curr. Trauma Rep. 2022; 8(3): 179-184.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s40719-022-00233-5

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE of Review: As one of the leading causes of death worldwide, suicide has become an important public health concern. Several studies have evaluated key demographic factors such as age, gender, and race as increased risk factors for suicide. The goal of this review is to highlight elderly white males as a unique population at risk, as well as help shape future preventive efforts. Recent Findings: Extensive literature review shows that many risk factors contribute to increased suicide rates in older white males. These may include the presence of mental illness, multiple medical conditions, family history, and occupation. In addition, there has been more evidence to suggest that social isolation and access to firearms as increasingly important suicide risk factors to consider, especially among older white males. Summary: Increasing awareness of older white males as an at-risk group and focusing on minimizing social isolation and access to firearms may play significant roles in helping shape future preventative efforts relating to suicide. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Elderly; Social isolation; Suicidal ideation; Firearm; White male