Content Warning: This article contains discussion of mental health and suicide. If you are experiencing a crisis, please call the National Crisis Hotline number at 988. You can also text HOME to 741741.
Aging is a natural process that may present challenges for older adults and their families. Difficult life changes, like coping with new serious illnesses or losing loved ones, can impact mental health. While those of all ages live with mental health issues, older adults may experience new or worsening symptoms due to adjusting to changes as they age. This can result in experiencing higher levels of grief, social isolation, and loneliness, at times leading to new or worsening mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and, without intervention, can lead to suicide.
Mental health is, as defined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that affects how people think, feel, and act. Mental health plays a large role in how people handle stress, relate to others, and make choices day to day. A World Health Organization report from 2023 stated 15% of adults over 60 live with a mental health disorder. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health diagnoses for older adults. 6-7% of all older adults are diagnosed with one or both disorders.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, the time to focus on mental health for all ages. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., and rates have been steadily rising over the past decade, especially among people over the age of 65. While older adults comprise 16.8% of the population, they make up 22% of suicides. Additionally, among people who attempt suicide, 1 out of 200 of young people succeed, while in older adults, 1 out of 4 succeed. Although there has been an increase in suicide rates among all older adults, older men have had a much more significant increase in the last twenty years. In older men, the suicide rate tends to increase with age, with men 85 and older having the highest rate of any age group, with 56 deaths for every 100,000 people.
Suicidal tendencies are most common in older adult populations for many reasons. Grief over lost loved ones, loss of self-sufficiency, chronic illness or pain, cognitive impairment, and financial troubles are all very common risk factors for suicide seen in older adults. However, the biggest reason may be something everyone has struggled with in life—loneliness. Social connection is a large part of keeping healthy. "I believe that it's rooted in loneliness. We have an epidemic of loneliness, of folks feeling disconnected from other people," said Tia Dole, PhD, Chief 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Officer.
It is also important to note that mental health remains under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated overall in our society, and even in the mental health community, there are not many professionals trained in geriatrics. Older adults may also be less likely to seek out mental health services due to stigma or belief that their experience is a natural part of aging. Furthermore, some providers do not bill Medicare, creating insurance barriers that leave older adults’ mental health ignored.
The first step in preventing suicide is knowing the signs to look out for in loved ones and yourself. In addition to expression of suicidal intent, there are certain behaviors that can be a warning sign that an older adult is thinking of self-harm. These include loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, giving away items or changing their will, avoiding social interactions, neglecting self-care, including medications and grooming, overly talking or thinking of death, and lacking concern for personal safety or intentionally reckless behavior. Older men are the most likely to conceal these warning signs. Many professionals share the belief that if a loved one stops acting like themselves, it may be time to step in.
Friends and family can help individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and tendencies by offering support and helping them get assistance from professionals. National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line offer a five-step guide to support someone at risk. First, ask and talk about suicide, which can actually decrease suicidal thinking, reduce access to lethal methods, be present for them to limit loneliness, help them seek professional assistance through their doctor or the crisis hotline by calling 988, and continue to reach out so they feel supported and connected.
Local organizations like JABA can help support older adults’ mental health and well-being. JABA offers a wide range of services that can reduce isolation, promote social engagement, and connect individuals with other critical resources in the community. Region Ten is another local organization who can offer more individualized mental health and substance abuse support for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Older adults are at a higher risk, but mental health struggles are not an inevitable part of aging. Effective treatment options are available to help older adults manage their mental health and improve quality of life. Recognizing the signs and seeing a health care provider is the first step to getting better. Remember, if you are struggling, there is help available.
Ty Mynes is a Communications Specialist and Writer at JABA
If you are experiencing a crisis please call the National Crisis Hotline number at 988. You can also text HOME to 741741.