Contributed by Ron Redden
Many people look forward to retirement. It’s time to slow down, travel, spend more time with the grandkids. For most people, the vision includes the other person with whom they’ve spent most of their life. Life doesn’t always work out the way planned. One day we may wake up and those lifelong plans just got canceled. The mate, lifelong partner, has died. What now? To whom do I say good morning? So many questions, so few answers. Where there was once conversation, laughter, love, there is now silence and heartbreak. Too many seniors find themselves in this exact scenario. They are lost, isolated, and lonely. Roughly 24% of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated and 43% aged 60 and older are experiencing loneliness. Now, for the statistical reality. Heartbreak leads to isolation and loneliness which leads to depression which, all too often, leads to suicide. In 2023, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10,437 individuals aged 65 and older died by suicide in the U.S. These statistics are not necessarily accurate. There are many ways to commit suicide. We think that it has to be by a firearm or an overdose; it could be by stopping life saving medication, starvation or other less conspicuous methods and letting nature take its course. The highest risk group are men aged 75 and older. The suicide rate for men in this age group is 40.7 deaths per 100,000. Women in this same demographic have a rate of 5.1 deaths per 100,000. In my opinion, that’s understandable. Also men use a more sure means of being successful at suicide. Everybody calls Mom. Daughters and granddaughters stay in touch. Dads seem to be forgotten. They lose their sense of purpose.
What can be done to relieve this suffering? It is a one-word fix, “socialization.” It’s a proven fact that people need socialization. We are social beings and without that social interaction we cease to thrive. Our physical health as well as our mental health suffer. This leads to premature death as well as increased medical costs.
Transportation Solutions Arapahoe County (TSAC) is working to acquire transportation for elderly and disabled individuals who fall under the term “shut-ins”. TSAC is approaching organizations, who might be willing to provide transportation using their existing vans and drivers. These folks would be transported to various nearby facilities where they could socialize for 2 hours a week. Perhaps playing bridge, or other games, exercising, or just visiting. This interaction will inevitably lead to friendships. That is how we fix loneliness and isolation.
Based on the information available, there is no precise annual number of elderly shut-in individuals who die by suicide in the United States. However, several sources offer statistics on older adults and suicide rates:
Overall Older Adult Suicide Rate: In 2022, approximately 10,433 individuals aged 65 and older died by suicide in the U.S.
Highest Risk Group: Individuals aged 75 and older, particularly men, face the highest suicide rates among all age groups. In 2021, men aged 85 and older had the highest suicide rate (55.7 deaths per 100,000 population), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Social Isolation and Loneliness as Risk Factors: Social isolation and loneliness are recognized as significant risk factors for suicidal ideation and behaviors in older adults.
Prevalence of Social Isolation: Roughly one-quarter (24%) of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated, and a substantial portion of adults (43%) aged 60 and older report experiencing loneliness.
While there isn’t a specific count of suicides among elderly shut-ins, it’s crucial to acknowledge the elevated suicide risk among older adults, especially those experiencing social isolation and loneliness, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit their website at 988lifeline.org.
Editor’s note: Mr. Redden told us he became aware of the scourge of elderly suicide when he chaired the Isolation and Loneliness sub-committee for the City of Centennial Senior Commission.