High suicide rates among men aged 85 and over

Men over the age of 85 continue to have the highest suicide rates of any age group in Australia, new data shows, prompting calls to address an issue that experts say has been largely ignored.

Recent figures published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed the overall suicide rate in 2020 was 12.1 per cent per 100,000 people.

Suicide rates in men over 85 were more than three times the average rate, accounting for nearly a third of suicide-related deaths in their age group. 

Dr Adrienne Withall from the UNSW Ageing Futures Institute said poor mental health among older men was driven by a combination of psychological and existential distress.

“Emerging research has shown that older men can feel they are ‘no longer needed’ and perceive themselves as ‘burdensome’ to family and community,” she said.

“These beliefs can often overlap with major life transitions, such as retirement, loss of independence or moving to residential care.

“It is important that we highlight the factors unique to older men and we must work together to design solutions that meet their needs.”

In 2020, the suicide rate for men aged 85 and older was 39.3 per 100,000 people – an increase from 32.3 deaths per 100,000 in 2019.

Studies have shown that older people who live in rural and remote areas, access residential care, or identify as LGBTIQ+ or Indigenous and/or Torres Strait Islander are increasingly vulnerable to suicide.

Recent research has highlighted the direct impact of ageism on the mental health of older people and their access to tailored psychological services.

A November 2021 paper published in Australasian Psychiatry said ageism may be a "core contributing factor to suicide in older adults" and led to "missed opportunities for appropriate diagnosis and intervention".

Earlier this month, the federal government announced the nationwide expansion of not-for-profit Anglicare's Suicide Prevention for Seniors Program.

The online workshop aims to educate aged care workers on how to identify and respond to suicidal behaviour in older people.

If you or anyone you know needs help call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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