The effect of season and weather on suicide rates in the elderly in British Columbia

Objectives: The authors examined the relationship of suicide in the elderly (65 years and older) to season and weather and compared it to that in the younger population (10-64 years). Methods: Information on suicides and on; weather was obtained for British C olumbia for the period 1981 to 1931. The association of suicide with season and weather was assessed using Poisson regression. Results: Whereas younger suicides were associated with season, showing a su mmer, peak, elderly suicides were associated. with actual weather. They inc reased with higher mean daily temperature for the current month (RR=1.16, 9 5% CI 1.05-1.28 for each 2.5 degrees C change in mean temperature), and wit h lower mean daily temperature for the preceding three months (RR=1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.23). Conclusion: Elderly suicide rates appear to be affected by deviations of mo nthly mean temperature from values expected for that time of year. Increase d support service agencies at times of predicted high risk is suggested.