Sedgwick County, Kansas Suicide Task Force
Suicide and Older Adults

Although older adults attempt suicide less often than those in other age groups, they have a higher completion rate.  Over the age of 65, there is 1 suicide for every 4 attempts.  The difference appears to be a function of two things that develop with age:  first, the older person is more committed to the act for its own sake than as a means of manipulating others, and second, the older person is more competent to plan and execute the act.

Is This You or Someone You know – Warning Signs

• Do you have trouble sleeping or eating?
• Have you lost interest in daily activities?
• Have you withdrawn from friends or activities?
• Do you ever feel like your “old self?”
• Are you struggling with physical problems?
• Do you often feel bored or lonely?
• Have you had a recent loss
• Have you given away prized possessions?
• Do you experience feelings of hopelessness?
• Do you feel like you have little control over your life?
• Do you have frequent thoughts of death?
• Do you ever feel like life is not worth living?

If you or someone you know is exhibiting these warning signs please contact the Suicide Prevention Services at 316-660-7500.  You are worth it!

Did You Know?

• As many as 75% of depressed older Americans are not receiving the treatment that they need, placing them at increased risk for suicide.
• Depression is NOT a normal part of aging.
• Depression among older adults CAN be treated.
• There is one elderly suicide every one hour and twenty-three minutes.
• Older adults are less likely to call a crisis line than are their younger counterparts.
• Elders who complete suicide do have close family members.
• There is something that can be done to stop an elderly suicide.
• Most suicidal elders will not self refer to obtain mental health services

Statistics you should know:

• 20% of older adults over 75 committing suicides have been seen by a physician within 24 hours of completing suicide.
• 35% have been seen by a physician within a week.
• 75% have seen a primary care physician within a month of their suicide.
• 80% have seen a primary care physician within 6 months of their suicide.
• While older adults make up only 13% of the population, they account for 25% of all suicides.
• 81 % of older adults who commit suicide are male.

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last update: 01/15/04
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Resources 24 Hour Suicide Prevention Services Community Resource List Lista de Recursos en la Comunidad Awareness/Education General Suicide Information History Stigma Older Adults Youth Intervention/Outreach Yellow Ribbon Program Suicide Survivors Support Group Methodology/Research Year One Report Year Two Report Year Three Report Year Four Report Year Five Report Year Six Report Resource Links American Association of Suicidology American Foundation for Suicide Prevention COMCARE of Sedgwick County Department on Aging Kansas Suicide Prevention Steering Committee Suicide in the United States Suicide Prevention Action Network USA, Inc. Suicide Prevention Resource Center Surgeon General's Call To Action To Prevent Suicide USA State Plans Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program     Contact Us     Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view document.   Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Task Force 635 N. Main Wichita, Kansas 67203 Tel:  (316) 660-7600 TTY: (316) 267-0267 Fax:  (316) 383-7925  24 Hour Crisis Line (316) 660-7500