Are you aware of these facts about suicides? Worldwide, both men and women have
increased risks of committing suicide as they age. In America, older adults kill
themselves intentionally more than young people do. The highest suicide rate is
among white men, and older adult white men are the largest in that group. This
situation continues to escalate with the increase of millions of baby boomers
(born 1946-1964) reaching senior status.
We can all help prevent older adult suicides in these two ways:
1)
Be
aware of the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline which can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and
confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources
for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
2) Another way everyone can help prevent
suicides of older adults is by looking for four risk factors that all begin
with the letter d. In this video titled “The Four D’s of Suicide Risk in Older
Adults,” Dr.
Yeates Conwell, Director, Geriatric Psychiatry Program Director, Center for
Study and Prevention of Suicide, University of Rochester Medical Center talks
about specific problems we can address to prevent suicides.
Frances Shani Parker, Author
Becoming
Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes is available
in paperback and e-book editions in America and other countries at online and
offline booksellers.
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