Social support for suicidal seniors
A West Australian study has revealed the number of older adults considering suicide could be halved if adequate social support was available. The report examined the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among those aged over 60 years old.
A West Australian study has revealed the number of older adults considering suicide could be halved if adequate social support was available.
The report examined the prevalence of suicidal thoughts among those aged over 60 years old.
The study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, surveyed more than 21,000 Australians in that age group, and found almost 5% of them had suicidal thoughts.
The West Australian newspaper quoted Professor Osvaldo Almeida, from the University of Western Australia, as saying a stronger support network was needed, particularly during the Christmas holidays.
The research team found those contemplating suicide over the next four weeks were people who reported experiencing a “very low level” of social support from family and friends.
“The analysis that we completed seemed to suggest that if we were able to improve social support to this particular segment of the population, we would be able to reduce the prevalence of suicidal ideation by nearly 40%,” Professor Almeida said.
National independent not for profit organisation, beyondblue, has developed training materials that will assist Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to deliver content on depression and anxiety in older people as part of Certificate III in Aged Care and Home and Community Care. These materials will be provided at no cost to eligible RTOs.
Training materials at Certificate IV level will be available in June. For more information about these training materials, visit the beyondblue website or email agedcare@beyondblue.org.au
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
