Reducing social interaction, self-care, and grooming. Complaining of decreased energy or fatigue. A sudden interest or disinterest in religion. Putting affairs in order, giving things away, or making changes in wills. Stock-piling medication or obtaining other possible means of suicide.
Elder suicide occurs all along the post-acute continuum.
There has been some attention, but not very much. Much can be done to keep individuals from becoming suicidal. Much can be done to keep those who become suicidal from becoming victims. Assisted suicide is a form of elder suicide, and part of the problem. Suicide is often felt to be a strategy for regaining control among those who feel they have lost control to depression, illness, and pain.