Suicide is a prevalent problem in older adults. One of the best predictors of suicide in older adults is suicide ideation.

This has also been associated with depression. However, suicide ideation is not always present when an older adult is depressed and is sometimes present when an older adult is not depressed. Perceived burdensomeness is a new risk factor and has been linked to suicide ideation in depressed samples and in older adults (Joiner, 2005). This study was conducted using The Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and the Suicide Cognitions Scale on a sample of older adults because adults aged 65 and older have one of the highest rates of suicide out of all age groups. In 2005 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicide was the 18th leading cause of death for adults who were above the age of 65 and for men is this age group it was the 17th leading cause of death. Because people in this age group are more susceptible to illnesses due to advancing age, these numbers are high and risk of suicide should be more preventable and therefore are being addressed. T. E. Joiner developed a theory that helps improve the understanding of the risk factors associated with the suicidal behavior in older adults. This Interpersonal-Psychological Theory indicates that the desire for suicide arises when older adults think they are a burden on the people they are close to or that are taking care of them. This perceived burdensomeness that Joiner proposed involves the perception that one is a burden on other people, even if the people do not feel burdened. This can also include a sense of self hate and thoughts that they have become a liability to their caretakers. This burdensomeness can be very relevant in older adults because they often rely on others to do daily tasks, provide financial assistance, and even physical care.

This perceived burdensomeness, along with depression can result in suicidal ideation in older adults. The topic for this week was Older Adults and Mental Health, varied risk factors. Barlow and Durand state that as your body prepares for challenge you begin to worry about it incessantly. Sense of control is considerably less even if it may not be a difficult situation. Anxiety, especially when someone feels that their lives are out of control, or perceive threats to their lifestyle may lose hope and then become depressed. As stated earlier, it is at this point that they may begin to have suicidal ideation as a way out. The text goes on to state that psychological factors can help gain a sense of control and coping strategies to change how a person feels.