Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one's own life.
Suicide is ranked among the top 10 causes of death in persons age 65 and older. Male suicide rates exceed those for women at all ages, reaching the highest levels in men 75 years of age and older. The group with the highest risk for suicide is elderly white males. An elderly person attempting suicide is much more likely to be successful than a younger person. Often a person considering suicide feels a sense of complete hopelessness, helplessness, grief, and loss.