Elderly women also have high suicide rates. Hendin suggests that an older person's first attempt reflects a desire for attention, and subsequent attempts are more serious. Similarly, Durkheim believed where social mobility and social isolation are common, suicide rates increase. It would be logical, then, to assume higher rates of suicide among the elderly. My findings illustrate similarities and differences of suicide rates when comparing rates from 1951 and 1988.
Male rates are always remarkably higher than female rates.
The rates of suicide among the elderly are most alarming. Further exploration of these and related issues will hopefully lead to a more concerned and more aware society.