2009, Cilt 16, Sayı 2, Sayfa(lar) 034-041
Causes of Elderly Suicide and Preventive Applications
Hemş. Güler DURU1, Öğr.Gör.Dr. Leyla ÖZDEMİR2
1 Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Erişkin Hastanesi
2 Hacettepe Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Hemşirelik Bölümü
Keywords: Ageing, suicide, suicide reasons, suicide prevention

Ageing is a period in which the dependency of individual increases due to ability loss and physical illnesses; and he or she is subjected to loss in terms of physical appearance, strength, role and position. Rate of suicide is higher in the old-age group compared to the other age groups due to chronic illnesses, dependency and loss of ability. Chronic illnesses which lead to loss of ability, (e.g.heart diseases, neurological diseases and cancer), loneliness, depression, alcohol, drug abuse and struggle for livelihood are among the causes for suicide in the elderly. Suicide can be prevented, if it is noticed at the early stage. In this context, it is among the responsibilities of the nurses to draw the attention of the society to the problem of suicide and increase their awareness. Especially, supporting the old-age group who experience physical dependency, loss of ability and depression, helping them to keep on their connections with life and to preserve their productivity are crucial practices for preventing suicide.