PREVENTION OF SUICIDE IN OLD-AGE

The prevention of suicide in old age has received little attention, de spite suicide rates being highest in older men. About 90% of older peo ple who attempt or complete suicide have a mental disorder, usually de pression, which often has been inadequately treated Other treatable co ntributing factors include pain, grief, loneliness, alcoholism and car er stress. Few suicides in older people occur in the context of termin al illness or can be regarded as ''rational''. Educational programs ar e required to improve the recognition and treatment of depression in p rimary care.