Don Beaver, Fitness Director
What is that uncomfortable topic? Sadly, senior suicide. As of 2022, older adults make up 17% of the U.S. population but account for 22% of all suicide deaths, with an 8% increase since 2021. This statistic is even more alarming when we recognize that the older segment of the population is growing faster than ever as we “baby boomers” seek the enjoyment of our retirement years. Additionally, older adults do not usually seek treatment for mental health problems—the root cause of senior suicide—and, as such, family and friends must play an important role in prevention since the health care system is also not meeting the needs of many elderly.
What are the warning signs?
• Loss of interest in things or activities that are usually enjoyable
• Reducing social interaction, self-care, and grooming
• Experiencing or expecting a significant personal loss (spouse/significant other)
• Putting affairs in order, giving things away, and/or making changes in wills
• Feeling hopeless and/or worthless, depression, loneliness
• Exhibiting a preoccupation with death and/or a lack of concern for personal safety
Characteristics of high risk are increasing age, being a white male (older men die by suicide at a rate that is more than seven times higher than that of older women!), and divorce/loss of a loved one that can lead to depression, which is then often associated with suicide in later life. Other symptoms can include misuse of alcohol combined with a psychiatric issue, family discord, medical illness, financial trouble, physical disability, unrelieved pain, personal loss, and/or grief. Most (70%) of older patients who die by suicide visit their primary care physicians within a month of their death. Speculation is that those visits may lead to “the last straw,” such as despair over health or unrelenting pain.
We at Quail Creek possess one additional contributing issue—loneliness, which can be created as a result of experiencing the loss of a partner after locating to a favorable locale (Arizona) and distancing ourselves from family members and longtime friends. This single issue, loneliness, can be multi-faceted, causing a feeling of hopelessness, a loss of self-sufficiency, chronic illness/pain, cognitive impairment, and/or the onset of dementia—all characteristics of clinical depression. Sadly, clinical depression is not a normal part of aging, per the medical industry, and remains woefully under-recognized, under-diagnosed, and under-treated.
What can we do?
We are a community first and foremost, and we must behave as one. If one of us needs help, there must be a meaningful response from neighbors, friends, those who have mutual activities, etc.
• Involve others by letting them know about the affected individual, including neighbors, friends, and especially relatives.
• Provide sincere concern and interest and not “lip service.” Do not hesitate to call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• Recruit counseling and/or clergy. Studies indicate that grief therapy has helped more than 80% of those experiencing suicidal depression.
• Increase action around the person, such as meal invitations, preparing casseroles, and inclusion in social activities (plays, concerts, talent shows, movies, etc.).
• Get them involved in other activities and social outlets. Quail Creek is home to a wealth of fitness activities (pickleball, golf, tennis, swimming/water aerobics, group fitness classes), creative arts (check out the Creative Arts & Technology Center), and countless social clubs/groups (from book clubs to card playing to line dancing to hiking).
• Join fellow Quail Creek residents for the Out of the Darkness Walk in Quail Creek, sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, to be held on Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.
In conclusion, let’s all be willing to reach out to our friends and neighbors, especially when they are most in need, while we enjoy the journey—together!