According to statistics compiled by the Colorado Health Institute (CHI) and/or Colorado’s Vital Statistics Program, roughly 33% of suicides in Colorado in recent years were among adults over age 55. Of that number, close to half were suicides by adults who were over 65. This is reportedly higher than the national average and places Colorado among the top 10 states for suicide among these age groups. The National Council for Suicide Prevention says that the rate of suicide (not the raw numbers) among men increases in the two decades beyond age 65 while this rate drops for women as they age into their later years. Approximately 75% of Colorado’s suicides are committed by males, a rate that is three times higher than that for women.
About two-fifths of suicides are committed by people who have never married, followed by a third who were married, and a slightly lesser percentage who were divorced. The National Council on Aging notes that among seniors who attempt suicide, one in four will succeed.
Colorado has a comparatively greater number of veterans than many other states, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) found that among residents of all adult ages who committed suicide while having a physical health problem, the proportion who were veterans was nearly 20 percentage points greater than nonveterans (54% vs. 35.7%). CHI says the data show that in Colorado, suicide among veterans has been increasing and that Colorado’s veteran suicide rate is significantly higher than both the national veteran suicide rate and the national general population’s suicide rate.
CHI observes: “Experiences related to combat and stress can result in poor health outcomes if left unaddressed. In addition to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), common risk factors for suicide -— such as limited independence, homelessness, or chronic health conditions – can be exacerbated by military service.”
Suicide Causes Among Coloradans
According to CHI, the most commonly reported circumstance among older adult suicides in Colorado is a contributing physical health problem. In a recent decade, CHI says, 75.3% of Coloradans age 65 and older who died by suicide did have such a physical health problem. The Institute points out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 80% of older adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure, and 50% have at least two conditions.
However, CHI goes on to note, known physical health problems are by far not the only factor associated with suicide. In its reporting period, CHI found that close to 40% of adults age 65 and older who died by suicide in Colorado were reported as having a current diagnosed mental health problem. One significant problem is that in spite of that statistic, mental health problems as a cause of suicide are too often not diagnosed, or even acknowledged to exist. And simply losing the ability to be independent due to a physical condition can be a contributing factor to poor mental health.
Although males are far more likely to commit suicide, they are far less likely to be reported as having a current diagnosed mental health problem or having ever been treated for a mental health problem. That latter circumstance may be causally related to the former. In addition, CHI notes that men and women may react differently in situations of despair, such as during unemployment, or in reaction to a loss of a loved one or a relationship problem. The Institute says, “Stigma surrounding mental health or expectations tied to masculine norms -— such as those that encourage men to be self-reliant and hide their emotions — can harm mental health and cause many men not to acknowledge concerns or avoid seeking care when they need it.” On top of that, “In Colorado, men were more likely to die by methods that leave little time for intervention and are more likely to be fatal, such as firearms, and hanging/suffocation.” That’s a key factor because statistics have shown that 9 out of 10 people who attempt suicide and survive will not die by suicide later in life.
CHI argues that screening for mental health concerns should occur in all older adult patients in the same way physical health problems are monitored. “When it comes to suicide prevention,” CHI says, “older adults are often a ‘forgotten population’ — a group that is often not thought of when it comes to health promotion and disease prevention efforts.”
Suicide “Warning Signs” Coloradans Should Watch Out For In Others
The National Council for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide warning signs you should watch for in a spouse or other loved one. Such as the following:
- General withdrawing, reduced interactions, and no longer participating in activities
- Sadness, irritability, and newly negative attitudes about life
- Literally talking about having no reason to live or having no purpose in life
- Talking excessively about death or about writing or rewriting a will
- Being overly occupied with books or shows with suicide-related subject matter
- Giving away personal items
- Neglecting health or grooming
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol; and, conversely, decreased use of prescription meds because they’re perceived as useless
What Coloradans — Both Caregivers and the Cared For — Can Do to Avert Suicide
Older adults who experience suicidal thoughts should seek professional help. This might begin by talking to your primary care doctor and perhaps being screened for clinical depression. Treatments are available and can include cognitive behavioral therapy, other counseling, selective medications, and lifestyle changes. Even acupuncture, exercise, and CBD (cannabidiol) can be of help for some people. If in crisis, call the national free support line by dialing or texting 988. In 2022, this lifeline answered nearly 5 million calls, texts, and chats.
Consider if a physical problem may be affecting you. Studies have found that back pain, traumatic brain injury, cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), HIV/AIDS, migraines, and sleep disorders are associated with higher suicide risk. If you have chronic pain or a terminal illness, seek out support groups that focus on your condition. You might also look into whether a prescribed medication you are taking could be causing suicidal ideation.
Cultivate a sense of purpose in your life. Getting older, retiring from work, changing family interactions, and witnessing the passing of loved ones are typical things that can alter your life and change your involvement with others. You may even face certain barriers to doing things you once did as a matter of routine, such as facing transportation limitations. Study after study has shown that having a purpose in life — such as volunteering or learning something new or engaging in socializing activities — dramatically lowers depression in older adults and improves physical health. An online search of “Volunteer Opportunities” will offer you many options to consider. Remember as well you are never too old to set new goals for yourself, giving you something to strive for.
Specifically for Colorado Caregivers
If you are a caregiver, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention suggests doing a simple action such as regularly checking in with loved ones via phone or video chat, to make sure they are not forgotten. The Institute on Aging provides a 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line for adults over 60, including those living with disabilities. The line may be accessed by calling 888.670.1360 or 800.971.0016. See https://www.ioaging.org/services/friendship-line/.
You can also ask your loved one directly if they are considering suicide. In some cases, talking about it can reduce its risk. CHI says in the last two decades studied, it was found that one-third of Coloradans who committed suicide had recently (within the preceding month) disclosed their intent to do so. As a practical step, take care to reduce access to firearms or potentially lethal drugs if you fear your loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
Special Help for Colorado Veterans
With regard to veterans in particular, access to health care services may be an issue. A 2019 report found that 70% of veterans who died by suicide had not recently received health care services from the VA. This led to what’s called The President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS). One of the priorities of PREVENTS is creating streamlined access to mental health and suicide prevention care. See https://www.va.gov/prevents/. This national effort and local ones such as the Follow-Up Services program through Colorado Crisis Services can offer hope to reduce suicide rates (see https://coloradocrisisservices.org/).
The National Alliance on Mental Illnesses’ Veterans and Active Duty page focuses on common questions and concerns military personnel have when seeking behavioral health care. The Veterans Crisis Line is also available 24/7 at 1.800.273.TALK (1.800.273.8255), ext. 1. In addition, responders are also available through a text to 838255 or via online chat. See https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Veterans-Active-Duty.
You can learn more about older Coloradans’ mental health issues and services and support programs that offer help in the following AgeWise Colorado articles:
