Risk factors for late-life suicide: a prospective, community-based study.
Despite the fact that people age 65 and older have the highest rates of suicide of any age-group, late-life suicide has a low prevalence, making it difficult to conduct prospective studies. The authors examined risk factors for late-life suicide on the basis of general information collected directly from older subjects participating in a community-based prospective study of aging, the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly. Demographic variables, presence of a relative or friend to confide in, alcohol use, and sleep quality were assessed at baseline interview. Baseline and follow-up data were used to determine physical, cognitive, and affective functioning, as well as medical status. Of 14,456 people, 21 committed suicide over the 10-year observation period. Depressive symptoms, perceived health status, sleep quality, and absence of a relative or friend to confide in predicted late-life suicide. Suicide victims did not have greater alcohol use and did not report more medical illness or physical impairment. This study provided additional information about the context of late-life depression that also contributes to suicidal behavior: poor perceived health, poor sleep quality, and limited presence of a relative or friend to confide in.
Turvey
Carolyn L
CL
Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242-1009, USA.
Conwell
Yeates
Y
Jones
Michael P
MP
Phillips
Caroline
C
Simonsick
Eleanor
E
Pearson
Jane L
JL
Wallace
Robert
R
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*