Preventing Suicide Among Older Caucasian Elderly Men

We are a youth focused society that has not placed enough emphasis on the positive side of growing older. Elderly suicide is a very serious issue.


This video was made by law students from Cal Western who focused on a problem that has impacted seniors nation wide.

Isolation is one of the 3 plagues of aging. Many of the men in this segment of society feel very isolated - 80% of the elderly who commit suicide are men, and it is often by firearm. Men over 85 are at even higher risk. Many of these men suffer from depression and/or chronic pain. Medicare gaps in coverage also added to the stress of the elderly. The families of suicide victims are at a higher risk of suicide themselves.

Their recommendations to help elderly men deal with loneliness is to give them opportunities to do things with their hands and minds, not just answer phones as volunteers. They recommended inter-generational activities with the high school to get older adults out and about in the community and to build mutual respect between the younger and older generation.

 Primary care physician - should screen for loneliness - perhaps it's a question and answer check list that they are given prior to seeing their doctor on each visit.

Legislation - Medicare often will not pay for mental health counseling sessions for the elderly but insurance companies pay for the same service among older men who are still working.

Education - educate the community through public service announcements about senior suicide and solutions, help in local community etc -and through their local senior center, grocery stores, pharmacy, churches, etc.
  - and encourage people in the community to be aware of isolated elderly in their community.