Indian Journal of Gerontology
Year : 2021, Volume : 35, Issue : 1
First page : ( 63) Last page : ( 85)
Print ISSN : 0971-4189.

Late life suicides: An indian scenario

Bharati Kanchan

Centre for Culture and Development (CCD), Vadodara-391101

Online published on 10 September, 2021.

Abstract

The twentieth century is witnessing a large and rapid increase in the elderly population worldwide. It is mainly a result of demographic change in the decline of fertility and mortality and increased life expectancy due to medical advancement. Increasing longevity surrounds concern as it presents several challenges to individuals, families, and larger communities. Besides social, economic, and cultural challenges, an emerging issue among the older population is a growing trend of suicides. According to official data (2018), suicides by those above sixty years of age comprise 08 per cent of total suicidal deaths with a higher presence of older men than women. In terms of causes, family problems and illness are the main reasons behind their suicides. If family problems showed more suicides by men then women largely committed suicide because of illness. Moreover, suicidal incidences among the elderly show that mental health care for older people needs serious attention, which is not the case especially in India.

Top

Keywords

Ageing, Suicide, Elderly, Mental illness, Family problems, Prolonged illness.

Top