Old People Who Want to Commit Suicide – a significant concern
Growing numbers of people are turning to suicide, which is a matter that should be of great concern. I have personal experience with those who want to commit suicide, which you never believe can happen to you or anyone in your family until it does. According to the American Association of Suicidology findings, however, suicide in the older population is becoming an increasingly widespread problem, which compels us to ponder over and over again about how we might avoid it. The people of white males aged 85 and older represent the group with the most suicide rate. According to the same organization’s findings, over 5,404 instances of people aged 65 and older killing themselves.
In addition to this, many different data sources have been stated. It is more likely for older men to take their own lives than it is for older women to bring their own lives. The logic behind this is that young ladies have a greater propensity to act excessively. After dealing with the numerous stresses, anxieties, and pressures of each stage, they appear to be able to handle the stresses that come with old age. The burden of diseases, loneliness, infirmity, social isolation, and other factors can lead to depression in older men, and many cannot survive.
My experience
Hurricane Katrina took several family members’ homes, and life was very upsetting for a few years. My wonderful uncle, who was like a father to me, lived in Chalmette, Louisiana, for 25 years before the hurricane. He was pushed out and went deep into Mississippi without family or friends. I would visit every other weekend and bring him all kinds of goodies, but it wasn’t enough. He put on a good face, but the last time I saw him, he looked so depressed, and I begged him to come back home with me, but he refused. In my wildest dreams, I never thought this would happen to me!
We were about to leave to head up, and I was prepared to stay a whole week when I got the phone call. It was the most horrible thing I have ever been through.
Why is senior suicide such a severe issue? – The dangerous elements
We never stop looking for explanations to comprehend the circumstances that must have prompted our loved ones to pursue such a course of action that was so extreme, and we do this again and again. The following are some of the different risk factors that are associated with older adults who want to commit suicide:
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Being bedridden or seriously crippled
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Males in their later years who have retired and are big drinkers or regular users of alcohol
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Being afflicted with a persistent unpleasant sickness
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Psychiatric illness
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Social isolation
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Loneliness
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A surrendering of one’s independence
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Suicide ideation
Experts have identified additional critical factors:
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The worry of burdening other people results from one’s physical condition.
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The incapacity to carry out tasks without assistance is closely related to the anxiety of losing one’s autonomy.
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Third, social isolation can occur when someone moves to a new location, retires from their job, starts a new hobby, or even gets sick.
Depression and suicide rates among old people
Depression is often assumed to be a natural part of the aging process because of the myriad of physiological changes in the body and organs. Along with the enormous shifts one goes through in their personal and professional life. As a result, we believe that depression in people of advanced age is unavoidable. We accept depression in our senior population as a given somewhere. On the other hand, we had no idea that depression in older people may become life-threatening if it is not treated and managed promptly.
There is a direct correlation between depression and suicide attempts among our senior population, according to several research. One of the many factors contributing to suicide in older adults is their incapacity to adapt to changing circumstances.
This consists of several mental illnesses.
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Anxiety disorders
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Depressive disorders
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Brain function disorders
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Schizophrenic disorders.
Recent studies and statistics demonstrate that it is possible to assert, without a doubt, that the number of people who commit suicide due to major depressive disorder is on the higher end. According to data published in 2015, the age group that had the second-highest rate of suicide was that of senior people aged 85 and older. All of these data merely point toward the fact that depression is treatable, and we need to assist our old speak up in their thoughts to offer aid at the appropriate moment. Moreover, we need to help our elderly speak up in their minds to provide help. However, the fact is that sadness is frequently seen as a character flaw rather than a severe sickness, which discourages our aging population from seeking medical care for their condition.
Warning Signs of Suicide in the Elderly
To prevent and reduce the number of elderly suicides, we must first identify the warning indications for older adults who want to commit suicide. The following is a list of numerous suicide warning signs in the elderly:
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Loss of interest in a variety of previously enjoyed activities
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Personal grooming and medical care are neglected.
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Lack of active participation in social interactions
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Hopelessness
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Weeping for no apparent reason
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Weight loss caused by a loss of interest in food
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Sad or depressed mood
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distributing personal items
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Insomnia
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a greater reliance on booze or other drugs
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Having suffered a severe beating or anticipating having to suffer one in the future
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Discussing death
If you notice any of the above signs, here’s what you should and shouldn’t do:
Some things to do
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Take the concerns of the older person you care about seriously and make it a point to inquire about whether or not they are feeling down or depressed or whether or not something more severe is troubling them.
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Do not be afraid to inquire directly with them about whether or not they have suicidal intentions. If you straightforwardly question them, they may respond straightforwardly and honestly. However, you might feel nervous and anxious about directly asking them such a question. If so, you shouldn’t worry about it because the question you ask your senior loved ones will not likely force them to take their own lives.
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Once you know their intentions, have a conversation with them and encourage them to get appropriate care for their depression and any other medical concerns they may be experiencing.
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DO make it clear to them that you will always be there for them and that they must continue to appreciate their lives.
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Last, you must take the necessary actions to remove potential hazards for your senior loved ones.
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If at all possible, maintain a careful check on your older population and spend time with them.
Some things not to do
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Don’t act as if you’re astonished. It’s normal to be startled, but try not to let your senior loved ones pick up on it.
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Do not dispute with your senior loved ones that ending one’s life is not the best option, and please do not give them lengthy lectures on the importance of living.
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Don’t keep this information to yourself. Instead, seek assistance from professional organizations or individuals who are knowledgeable in the art of preventing suicide.
Life does grow more challenging as you age if you are not prepared. The growing disease burden, a frail body, the death of a companion, and retirement from employment can all make our elders gloomy. Adhering to such a drastic move may appear nonsensical to many, but it makes sense for our old, who cannot live their lives.
Suicide prevention among the old people
Suicide prevention, according to the Institute of Medicine, should target different levels and phases of suicidality. This operates in three categories, each addressing a distinct type of older population:
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Universal prevention attempts to lower the risk of suicide in new instances by improving skills and providing information.
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Selective prevention focuses on high-risk groups that do not typically exhibit suicide intent. At the same time, we are highly vulnerable to committing suicide. Those who have lost a partner or another person, are retired, suffer from chronic sickness, or are severely incapacitated are examples of high-risk groups.
- Indicated prevention – This is for those who show indicators of suicidal ideation. Candidates for suggested prevention include the elderly who have a psychiatric disorder or have declared a desire to die.
The first step in avoiding suicide is usually recognizing the warning symptoms. Here are some particular takeaways to assist you in preventing older adults who are wanting to commit suicide:
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If you have any doubts, your elderly relatives are contemplating a suicide attempt, and you should not leave them alone.
- Be vigilant and on the lookout for potentially dangerous goods such as sharp knives, narcotics, and so on.
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If you know of any older persons with active or passive suicidal thoughts, you should immediately contact a medical expert and seek help.
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Conclusion:
Our world is a complicated place. The site prioritizes youthful and adult suicide while ignoring older adults who want to commit suicide, even though the latter population has far greater suicide rates than the others. The explanation is simple: we idolize the young generation because we see our future in them. But, in the process, we appear to have forgotten our elders and entirely overlooked the abundance of wisdom, love and care we have received from them. As carers, it is our responsibility to love and care for them and provide them the time and support they need to navigate the challenging trip known as “life easily.” Please contact me if you require any additional assistance. Today, “988” is the three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By calling or texting 988, you’ll connect with mental health professionals with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
