FIREARM SUICIDE AMONG OLDER MEN

Data from the Compressed Mortality File for the years 1979 to 1991 wer e analyzed to determine epidemiologic tr ends in the rates of suicide by firearms among three age groups of white and black men age 65 and o lder (65 to 74 years, 75 to 84 years, and 85 years and older). In 1991 , among men age 65 and older, firearms accounted for 80 percent of all suicides. Firearm suicide rates increased significantly over time amo ng white men in all three acre groups, especially those age 75 and old er, and among black men between the ages of 75 and 84. Clinicians shou ld regularly conduct a firearm-availability history with elderly men w ho are depressed or suicidal.