Boomer / Senior Suicide on the Rise

"Every 90 minutes a person 65 or older commits suicide. An “empty” feeling, a worthless feeling, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, lack of enjoyment of things previously enjoyed, sleeping more (or less) than usual, chronic pain, persistent headaches and/or stomach aches, a feeling of being unloved and that life is not worth living anymore. Depressing, isn’t it?"

Here’s some shocking news:

Baby Boomers are more prone to committing suicide than any generation before them. To make matters scarier, boomers are approaching their senior years facing a fact that seniors have the highest suicide rate of any age group (and that rate grows even higher as we get older).

Those over 65 represent about 13% of the United States population. But when it comes to suicide, the percentage is close to 20%.

Put in more dramatic way…

Every 90 minutes a person 65 or older commits suicide.

Why is that?

There are of course, many factors: The perception of poor health rather than an actual specific illness; poor sleep quality; loneliness; lack of friends or relatives to confide in; fading memory and other brain disorders; financial stress and not to be overlooked, the possession of firearms. (Firearms are the most common method of suicide used in later life.)*
Surprisingly, medical illness and alcohol don’t seem to be a factor.

Seniors are funny.

Many seniors have no problem telling you about their aches and pains. But unlike younger generations, when it comes to their mental health—depression, loneliness, etc— their lips are sealed. There’s also a myth out there that it is normal to be depressed as one gets older. That leaves many people who might otherwise be helped by medications, go untreated.

Here are some symptoms to look out for:

An “empty” feeling, a worthless feeling, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, lack of enjoyment of things previously enjoyed, sleeping more (or less) than usual, chronic pain, persistent headaches and/or stomach aches, a feeling of being unloved and that life is not worth living anymore. Depressing, isn’t it?

Some hope.

According to a recent study, strong social support and religious beliefs may act as a suicide deterrent. The study reported that many seniors say they get a great deal of comfort and support from their religion.

Doctors need to be more aware of the suicide potential of their older patients and start asking more direct questions. Instead of asking “Do you have feelings of depression?” a question like, “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” is more to the point.

What we all can do.

We must start watching out for each other and notice warning signs. We need to show we care. Our friends (even those who are just acquaintances) and relatives need our support and understanding. A visit or even a phone call can make a difference.

We all deserve to live longer lives.
Editor’s note: This is a serious problem that can effect us all. Please offer your suggestions on how we all can help.

*Experts believe it is not the presence of firearms in the home that is the risk factor but rather the recent purchase of a firearm. In states that have background checks or waiting periods for handgun purchases, suicide rates have declined dramatically. <<

For other articles of interest to those over 50 (seniors and boomers) visit www.LetLifeIn.com. With a cutting edge and a (sometimes irreverent) sense of humor, LetLifeIn.com explores all aspects of being 50+ -- the concerns, the issues, and the controversies as well as the fun stuff.