Citation

Power L, Brophy J. Ir. J. Med. Sci. 2008; 177(4): 333-337.

Affiliation

Newcastle Hospital, Greystones, Co.Wicklow, Ireland, Lorna_power@hotmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, General Publications)

DOI

10.1007/s11845-008-0183-6

PMID

18791657

Abstract

Note: There are serious errors in this article. After publication, a transcription error was discovered that caused the tables and graphs to be incorrect and some of the conclusions to be incorrect. See the errata at: doi: 10.1007/s11845-008-0239-7.

BACKGROUND: In recent years suicide among older adults has been increasing internationally. The suicide rate among older adults in Ireland is no exception. AIMS: The aim of the current study was to report the rate of suicide among older adults in Ireland and to compare these rates to those of the UK. METHOD: Suicide rates from 1975-2005 for older adults in both Ireland and the UK were obtained and compared. RESULTS: Suicide rates among older adults in Ireland are increasing, while for that same period suicide rates among older adults in the UK are decreasing. CONCLUSIONS: The increased consumption of alcohol in Ireland compared to the UK as well as a higher prevalence of depression among older people in Ireland may account for the observed difference. Findings have implications for suicide prevention in Ireland.

Language: en