Aging: A Time of Transition
Each stage of life presents us with challenges as well as opportunities. For many older adults, common obstacles to happiness may include
- Declining health
- Social isolation
- Grief
- Family Discord
- Financial Uncertainty
All can place older adults at high risk for emotional distress, physical discomfort, depression, and even suicide.
Like many of us, older adults are often reluctant to seek treatment – or they do not know where to turn for help. Professional support can alleviate the pain and distress that many older adults might otherwise struggle with on their own.
Older Adults and Suicide Prevention
Older adults make up about 13.75% of the United States population and account for 16.37% of all suicides.
Suicide in this population is a serious health problem. At a time in life when older adults should be engaged in life many are left alone, isolated and depressed.
One of the leading causes of suicide in the older adult population is untreated depression. Although depression is a major risk factor for suicide in this population, there are other factors that contribute to suicidality, such as: recent death of a loved one or significant other, illness, pain, perceived bad health, loneliness, and isolation.
If you are an older adult or you know an older adult who maybe experiencing suicidal thoughts, the information on the following pages can help you to better understand how to help. Older adults do not need to suffer alone. There is help available and people do recover and begin again to engage in their lives.
Community Resources
- Alameda County Area Agency on Aging
- Senior Resource Guides: North County , South County , Central County , East County
- Bay Area Community Services
- The Friendship Line: 24-hour Warmline: 1-800-971-0016
- Eden Information and Referral (Eden I & R) Phone: 211
- Legends – Valley Care Health System
