Researchers in Hong Kong have published a systematic review that explores suicidal behaviour in old age.  They found 22 gender-specific quantitative studies and revealed a range of risk factors for different socio-demographic groups.

Unsurprisingly for a team of suicide researchers, they concluded that further exploration of gender-specific issues in suicide was needed.

They also said:

Health professionals are encouraged to increase their knowledge of the risk factors leading to suicide in old age in their local contexts and to be able to identify potential victims and render timely and appropriate intervention. They should also be ready to open up their service boundaries and develop collaborative partnerships with local agencies and the general public.

Fung YL, Chan ZC. A systematic review of suicidal behaviour in old age: a gender perspective. J Clin Nurs. 2011 Apr 28. [PubMed abstract].

If you need help

If you need help and support now and you live in the UK or the Republic of Ireland, please call the Samaritans on 116 123.

If you live elsewhere, we recommend finding a local Crisis Centre on the IASP website.

We also highly recommend that you visit the Connecting with People: Staying Safe resource.