Suicide is more than a preventable tragedy—it’s a growing public health crisis. According to provisional statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. suicide rate reached a historic high in 2022.¹ And, while nearly every age group experienced an increase, older Americans fared the worst. Compared to 2021, suicide deaths rose 8.1% among people age 65 and over.²

Other concerning facts about suicide and older adults include:

• While older adults comprise just 16.8% of the population, they make up approximately 22% of suicides.^{3, 2}
• In 2022, among the nearly 49,449 suicides that took place in the U.S., 10,433 were attributed to people age 65 and up.²
• Older adults tend to plan suicide more carefully. They are also more likely to use more lethal methods such as firearms, poisoning, or sufficiation.^4,5
• Among people who attempt suicide, one in four older adults will succeed, compared to 1 in 200 youths.⁶ Even if an older adults fails a suicide attempt, they are less likely to recover from the effects due to frailty or underlying health conditions.
• Men age 75 and older face the highest overall rate of suicide and are most likely to use firerms.²

Why is suicide higher in older adults?

Suicide risk can increase as we age for a number of reasons. Social isolation can be a major risk factor which older adults may be more likely to experience if their spouse has recently died and there are no family members or friends nearby

Older adults may also experience an unexpected loss of freedom or independence due to a serious illness or may fear becoming a burden on those they love.

"Most people who are thinking about suicide are very receptive to help and support and we can be that lifeline," said Amanda Krisher, Associate Director, Behavioral Health, NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, during an interview with Closer Look with Rose Scott.

"We are starting to see a shift in organizations realizing this is an issue. When we get statistics that are mind blowing to us, it’s a wakeup call for people to say, ‘we need to do something about this," Krisher said.

Other reasons for suicidal intent in older adults include:

• Grief over lost loved ones: Adults who live long enough may begin to lose cherished family members and friends to old age and illness. They may wrestle with their own mortality and experience anxiety about dying. For some, this “age of loss” is overwhelming and can intensify feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.
• Loss of self-sufficiency: Seniors who were once able to dress themselves, drive, read, and lead an active life may grapple with a loss of identity. They may mourn the independent, vibrant person they once were.
• Chronic illness and pain: Older adults are more likely to face illnesses and chronic disease such as arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These conditions can bring on pain and mobility issues that compromise quality of life. Seniors may also experience loss of vision and other senses, such as hearing, making it harder to do the things they love.
• Cognitive impairment: In a 2021 study, researchers found that older adults with mild cognitive impairment and dementia had a higher risk for suicide.⁷ Declines in cognitive function can affect a person's decision-making abilities and increase impulsivity.
• Financial troubles: Older adults living on a fixed income may struggle to pay their bills or keep food on the table. For someone who is already struggling with health issues or grief, financial stress can be a trigger for suicidal thoughts.

The physical, emotional, and cognitive struggles faced by older adults can lead to feelings of depression, which over time can evolve into clinical depression. Clinical depression is a mood disorder characterized by prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, changes in sleep and appetite, and loss of interest in activities. 

Clinical depression is not a normal part of aging, yet it remains widely under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated among older adults, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times. The Times notes that even within the mental health field, relatively few providers are trained specifically in geriatric care. In addition, insurance barriers—such as some mental health professionals choosing not to accept Medicare—can make it harder for older adults to access care, contributing to ongoing gaps in mental health treatment. While most people with clinical depression do not die by suicide, having major depression does increase the risk.⁷

"The good news is that with the passage of the Mental Health Access Improvement Act, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists, can now be reimbursed by Medicare," Krisher said. "In fact over 70,000 professionals have joined the Medicare network in the first year leading to better access for older adults seeking treatment.” 

What are the warning signs of suicide in older adults?

An important first step in preventing suicide is knowing the warning signs. In addition to an explicit expression of suicidal intent, there are certain behaviors that can indicate an older adult is thinking about self-harm. These include:

• Giving away beloved items or changing their will
• Sudden interest or disinterest in religion.
• Unexplained irritability or anger.
• Rapid change in mood from angry/irritable to content
• Avoiding social activities
• Neglecting self-care, medical regimens, and grooming
• Exhibiting a preoccupation with death
• Lacking concern for personal safety

A previous suicide attempt is the highest predictor for death by suicide. Over 70% of older adults who die by suicide saw their primary care provider within 30 days of their death. Doctors can play a crucial role in suicide prevention by screening all patients for suicide risk.

How to support someone with suicidal thoughts

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline outlines five action steps you can take if you know an older adult who is thinking about suicide:

1. Ask. Don’t be afraid to be direct with the person at risk. Ask questions like, “Are you thinking about suicide?” and “Can you tell me what’s been going on?” to initiate a conversation in a supportive and unbiased way. Be sure to listen carefully to their answers and acknowledge their emotional pain. Help the person stay focused on all the reasons why they should want to keep living.
2. Be there. If you’re able to, be physically present for the person in order to ease feelings of isolation and provide a sense of connectedness. If a face-to-face visit is not possible, be there for them via phone or video calls. Work with the individual to identify others who may be willing to lend their help. Be sure not to make any promises that you are unable to keep.  
3. Keep them safe. Find out if the person has already made any attempts on their life. Do they have a specific plan or timing in mind? Do they have access to their planned method of self-harm? Learning the answers to these questions can help you understand whether this individual is in immediate danger. In general, the more detailed a person’s suicide plan is, the higher their risk. Someone who is at imminent risk for suicide may require more intensive intervention. The 988 Suicide Lifeline can serve as a valuable resource for helping you determine the next steps.
4. Help them connect. If a senior in your life is thinking about suicide, it’s important for them to establish support systems they can rely on now and in future moments of crisis. This includes suicide prevention helplines such as the Lifeline, as well as resources available in their local community. Find out if the at-risk person is currently seeing a mental health counselor. If not, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a searchable, confidential directory of mental health providers across the U.S.
5. Follow up. Studies have shown that following up can reduce suicide-related deaths in high-risk populations. Once you've had an initial conversation with the vulnerable person and helped them establish a support network, make sure to check in.

“It could be as simple as making a phone call to say hello,” Krisher explained.

"You could also send a text message, or even a card," she continued. "Ask if there is anything else you can do to help them get through this difficult time. The simple act of reaching out and showing you care can truly mean the difference between life and death."

How the 988 suicide prevention hotline can help older adults

Dialing or texting 988 connects people in crisis (or concerned friends, family, and caregivers) directly to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, where counselors provide free, unbiased, and confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Older adults who call or send a text message to 988 will speak to a trained counselor. Located in 200 crisis centers all over the country, these counselors are experienced in responding to people in emotional distress, including those with suicidal intent. Dialing 988 is just like dialing 911 for emergency response or 211 for information services. There’s no need to dial any other digits besides those three.

One thing is for certain—the 988 Lifeline won't give you a busy signal, and it won't put you on hold.

Sources

1. Sally C. Curtain, MA, et al. Provisional Estimates of Suicide by Demographic Characteristics: 2022. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. November 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr034.pdf

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide Data and Statistics. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/suicide-data-statistics.html

3. Zoe Caplan. U.S. Older Population Grew from 2010 to 202 at Fastest Rate since 1880 to 1890. United States Census Bureau. May 25, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/05/2020-census-united-states-older-population-grew.html

4. Yeats Conwell, MD, et al. Suicide in Older Adults. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2011 Jun; 34(2): 451-68, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2011.02.002. PMID: 21536168; PMCID: PMC3107573. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3107573/

5. CDC National Center for Health Statistics. Suicide Among Adults Age 55 and older, 2021. November 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db483.htm.

6. Mia Maria Günak, MSc, et al. Risk of Suicide Attempt in Patients With Recent Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia. JAMA Psychiatry. March 24, 2021. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/article-abstract/2777657

7. CDC Suicide Prevention. Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide. April 25, 2025. Found on the internet at  https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/risk-factors/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/factors/index.html