Within the over 65 year-old age group itself, a further comparison was made between the suicide rates of the 'young' old and 'old' old. In general, suicide is significantly more common in the 'young' old age group. The method of suicide employed by the elderly was then analysed. As expected hanging, drowning and poisoning were most common although the extent to which they were used differed for males and females. Twelve elderly suicides were examined as part of an on-going psychological autopsy study of Cork suicides.
Information relating to their domestic, marital and psychological situation is discussed.
Given these findings and those relating to method of suicide, the subject of suicide prevention in the elderly is discussed. Since the late nineteen seventies, however, the suicide rate among elderly Irish men has doubled. This is the subject of the current article. Methods Three sources of information were used. The Central Statistics Office provided information relating to each suicide occurring between 1976 and 1993.