A nurse is preparing a presentation for a group of colleagues about suicide and the older adult population. Which of the following would the nurse include in this presentation?
A) Suicide is less of a risk in this population compared with middle-aged adults.
B) Married African American men are at the greatest risk for suicide in this group.
C) Depression is greatest risk factor for suicide in this population group.
D) White women account for the highest number of suicide deaths in this age group.
Ans: C
Depression is the greatest risk factor for suicide. Individuals who are suicidal often believe that they are a burden to their family, which would be better off without them. In addition, suicide assessment is a priority for older adults experiencing mental health problems. It is important to carefully assess recent behavior changes and loss of support. Suicide is a major mental health risk for older adults. Suicide rates increase with age; the rate among older white men is six times higher than that of the general population. Unmarried, unsociable men between the ages of 42 and 77 years with minimal social networks and no close relatives have a significantly increased risk of committing suicide. White men account for more than 80% of suicide deaths in this older age group. Older white men are at the highest risk for suicide, with a rate of approximately 31.1 suicides per 100,000 persons each year.
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