Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Suicide in Elderly Populations in British Columbia: An 11-Year Review

Abstract

Suicide rates are highest in males over age 74 years. There are regional differences in elderly suicide rates and the factors that influence them. Longitudinal and cross-sectional risk factors differ, and there are gender differences in the risk factors. For both elderly males and females, suicide rates appear to be influenced by social factors in the population as a whole, not just in the elderly population. Male and female employment patterns are associated with elderly male suicide rates, even though the latter are not in the labour force. For suicide in elderly women the important factors are population education, income, and migration levels.