Which demographic has especially high rates of completed suicide among older adults?

Which demographic has especially high rates of completed suicide among older adults?

• A. White males
• B. Black females
• C. Hispanic males
• D. Asian females

Answer: (A)

In older adults, completed suicide is most common among White men, especially the oldest age groups. This arises because men tend to choose more lethal methods, with firearms being the most common means in this population, which increases the likelihood of a fatal outcome. Older White men also often face risk factors like chronic illness, functional decline, social isolation, and bereavement, and they may be less likely to seek help for depression due to stigma or access barriers. While suicide risk exists across groups, the combination of lethal means and these risk factors makes completed suicide rates highest in this demographic. Clinically, prioritize screening for depression and suicidal thoughts in this group, address social support and access to care, and ensure safe firearm storage.

In older adults, completed suicide is most common among White men, especially the oldest age groups. This arises because men tend to choose more lethal methods, with firearms being the most common means in this population, which increases the likelihood of a fatal outcome. Older White men also often face risk factors like chronic illness, functional decline, social isolation, and bereavement, and they may be less likely to seek help for depression due to stigma or access barriers. While suicide risk exists across groups, the combination of lethal means and these risk factors makes completed suicide rates highest in this demographic. Clinically, prioritize screening for depression and suicidal thoughts in this group, address social support and access to care, and ensure safe firearm storage.