Suicide Risk and Prevention of Suicide
Older adults, men in particular, have among the highest suicide rates in the world (WHO, 2014).
Approximately 1,000 older adults are admitted to Canadian hospitals each year as a result of intentional self-harm.
Many factors can contribute to suicide in older adults. These include mental illness, divorce, bereavement, lack of social support and problems with physical health or finances.
Tools for Seniors and Families:
Prevention of Suicide in Older Adults
Available in English, French, Punjabi, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese
Tools for Clinicians:
National Guidelines for Seniors’ Mental Health
The Assessment of Suicide Risk and Prevention of Suicide – 2006
*Endorsed by the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, the Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry and is listed on the U.S. Suicide Prevention Resource Centre’s Best Practices Registry.
Clinician’s Pocket Card
Tools for Educators:
CCSMH Late Life Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Evaluations (For Facilitators and For Learners)
Suicide Assessment & Prevention for Older Adults: Life Saving Tools for Health Care Providers – DVD
*Members of The College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim Mainpro-M2 credits for this unaccredited educational program. Members of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada can earn Section 2 credits by viewing this DVD.
[updated November, 09 2021]