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Risk Factors for Late-Life Suicide

A Prospective, Community-Based Study

Received October 17, 2001; revised February 11, March 12, 2002; accepted March 13, 2002. From the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Address correspondence to Dr. Turvey, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Psychiatry Research–MEB, Iowa City, IA 52242-1009.

Despite the fact that people age 65 and older have the highest rates of suicide of any age-group, late-life suicide has a low prevalence, making it difficult to conduct prospective studies. The authors examined risk factors for late-life suicide on the basis of general information collected directly from older subjects participating in a community-based prospective study of aging, the Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly. Demographic variables, presence of a relative or friend to confide in, alcohol use, and sleep quality were assessed at baseline interview. Baseline and follow-up data were used to determine physical, cognitive, and affective functioning, as well as medical status. Of 14,456 people, 21 committed suicide over the 10-year observation period. Depressive symptoms, perceived health status, sleep quality, and absence of a relative or friend to confide in predicted late-life suicide. Suicide victims did not have greater alcohol use and did not report more medical illness or physical impairment. This study provided additional information about the context of late-life depression that also contributes to suicidal behavior: poor perceived health, poor sleep quality, and limited presence of a relative or friend to confide in.

Key Words: Depression • Suicide • Risk Factors

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