In recent years, the rate of self-harm and suicide among older adults, particularly the baby boomer generation, has significantly increased.
Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, have shown alarmingly higher rates of suicide compared to previous generations.
Suicide prevention is typically focused on teenagers and young adults, yet the greatest increases occurred in people “50 to 54 years old (up 48 percent) and among people 55 to 59 years old (up 49 percent)” (1). This concerning trend can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Challenging economic conditions
- Chronic unemployment or underemployment
- Increased out-of-pocket spending for healthcare
- Escalating chronic illnesses
- Questioning of purpose and meaning in life
In some instances, several suicides or suicide attempts occur within a specific region or social group, exceeding what would be expected by chance alone.
This phenomenon, called suicide clustering or contagion, is essential to remember when assessing and addressing self-harm among the older adult population, particularly in senior-living communities or long-term care facilities.
Identifying Risk Factors + Warning Signs
Healthcare professionals should be aware of the four D's contributing to suicide risk:
- Depression
- Disease (including chronic health conditions & pain)
- Deadly means
- Disconnectedness
While risk factors provide insights into the likelihood of suicide attempts, warning signs are observable indicators of immediate concern. These signs may include noticeable changes in behavior, giving away belongings, and the practitioners’ intuitive cues.
Universal Prevention Strategies
Effective prevention efforts should encompass community-wide initiatives and interventions specific to long-term care or residential settings. Community prevention programs can focus on reducing new cases of self-harm through education, awareness campaigns, and skills training for staff.
All long-term care or residential facility residents should have access to programs promoting emotional health and coping skills. Creating healthy social networks among residents and restricting access to lethal means is also crucial.
Additionally, all staff members should receive appropriate suicide prevention training based on their roles and responsibilities.
Indicated Prevention Strategies
Indicated prevention strategies are tailored interventions for individuals demonstrating imminent risk, exhibiting red-flag behaviors, or showing indicators of mental health challenges.
In general, healthcare professionals should be vigilant in identifying warning signs, responding appropriately to risk, recognizing alcohol and medication misuse, and promoting protective factors.
Cultivating Emotional Health Among Elderly Individuals
Cultivating emotional health among elderly individuals is essential in preventing self-harm. Healthcare professionals can implement wellness programs incorporating physical activity, mindfulness, and sleep hygiene.
Engaging elderly individuals in activity programs that promote participation and resilience training can also contribute to their emotional well-being.
As healthcare professionals, we have a crucial role in understanding and addressing self-harm in senior populations. Cultivating emotional health and resilience is a crucial component of comprehensive care for older adults at risk.
Through collaborative efforts and ongoing education, we can provide support and promote a safer environment for the aging population to prevent self-harm and suicide.
More on this topic can be found in the Continued Social Work course, Suicide and Self-Harm in the Elderly, presented by Teresa Fair-Field, OTD, OTR/L.
References
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Suicide rates rise significantly amongst baby boomers, study finds. Retrieved September 5, 2023, from https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2013/Suicide-Rates-Rise-Significantly-Amongst-Baby-Boom
