Suicide Among the Elderly during the Covid-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Suicide behavior among seniors is conÂsidered a significant public health problem across many countries. Its rates in the United States have increased steadily, especially in the life course of older white men, estimated at 48.7/100,000.1 Studies have described many stressors that play a role in attempting or dying by suicide in this age group, e.g., chronic physical ill-ness, mental illness, and social isolation. However, the influence of pandemics on suicide rates is not fully addressed, particularly those with lockdowns and limited social interactions. OBJECTIVE: We aim to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rate of suicide among the geriatric populaÂtion in Marion County, Indiana. METHODS: Data for 2019 and 2020 was ed from coroners' records in Marion County, Indiana. In 2019 and 2020, a cumulative total of 130 and 157 suicide cases were reported, respectively. We identified 22 elderly suicide cases in 2019 and 34 elderly suicide cases in 2020 with age range of 65 to 94 years. We analyzed the data for age, race, gender, job, marital status, and the method of suicide. RESULTS: A total of 17% of elderly suicide cases are identiÂfied in 2019 and 22% of elderly suicide cases are identified in 2020. Elderly suicide cases increased by 55% from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, all elderly suicide cases were white, averAâge age was 76 years old, and male to female was 92 ~51. Approximately 59% of elderly suicide cases were retired, 27% were employed and only 2% were unemÂployed. Regarding marital status, 36% who died by suiÂcide were married, 32% were divorced and 18% were widowed. Most common method of suicide was gunÂshot wound (73%) followed by drug overdose (9%) and hanging (9%). Cases were highest in August (18%) and September (18%). In 2020, almost all elderly suicide cases were white (except one was black), average age was 75.7 years old, and male to female ratio was 101. Approximately 56% of elderly suicide cases were retired, 20% were employed, and 20% were unemployed. Regarding marital status, 35% were widowed, 30% were married, and 26% were divorced. Most common method of suicide was gunshot wound (88%), followed by drug overdose (6%), and hanging (6%). Cases were highest in August (21%), December (15%), June (12%) and July (12%). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, elderly suicide increased by 55% in 2020 in Marion County, Indiana, compared to 2019. However, the other parameters (e.g., race, employment, marital status) remained relatively unchanged. Although previous studies explained the steady increase in the suicide rate among the elderly,1 we believe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the limited social interaction have contributed to the rise seen in 2020. In addition, the geriatric population is growing and expected to outweigh the youth in a few years2;hence addressing suicide among the elderly is an urgent public health problem, requires extra efforts, especially during similar circumstances.