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The relation between social isolation and increasing suicide rates in the elderly

The relation between social isolation and increasing suicide rates in the elderly Suicidal attempts and thoughts are particularly relevant to the health of the elderly and can impact not only the individual, but family, friends and spouses as well. This topic is important for the gerontological research community, particularly as it relates to social isolation and the feeling of loneliness, common in this population group. The purpose of this paper is to investigate new knowledge about the relationship between an increased risk of suicide in the elderly and social isolation or loneliness.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive search was conducted to find relevant studies to answer the research question. Database research was done in PubMed and PsycINFO for relevant studies within the last 10 years. The title and abstract of relevant articles were screened before the full-text was acquired.FindingsIn PubMed 163 studies were identified, and in PsycINFO 66 studies were identified. After a thorough screening, nine studies were found to be appropriate for this study.Originality/valueIt is not clear which risk factor leads to an increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts, however most studies contemplated loneliness and isolation as a covariant. A causal link between the concepts is not simple. Nevertheless, loneliness and isolation seem to be relevant factors for suicidal ideations. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Quality in Ageing and Older Adults Emerald Publishing

The relation between social isolation and increasing suicide rates in the elderly

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References (25)

Publisher
Emerald Publishing
Copyright
© Emerald Publishing Limited
ISSN
1471-7794
DOI
10.1108/qaoa-06-2018-0026
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Suicidal attempts and thoughts are particularly relevant to the health of the elderly and can impact not only the individual, but family, friends and spouses as well. This topic is important for the gerontological research community, particularly as it relates to social isolation and the feeling of loneliness, common in this population group. The purpose of this paper is to investigate new knowledge about the relationship between an increased risk of suicide in the elderly and social isolation or loneliness.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive search was conducted to find relevant studies to answer the research question. Database research was done in PubMed and PsycINFO for relevant studies within the last 10 years. The title and abstract of relevant articles were screened before the full-text was acquired.FindingsIn PubMed 163 studies were identified, and in PsycINFO 66 studies were identified. After a thorough screening, nine studies were found to be appropriate for this study.Originality/valueIt is not clear which risk factor leads to an increase in suicidal thoughts and attempts, however most studies contemplated loneliness and isolation as a covariant. A causal link between the concepts is not simple. Nevertheless, loneliness and isolation seem to be relevant factors for suicidal ideations.

Journal

Quality in Ageing and Older AdultsEmerald Publishing

Published: Apr 5, 2019

Keywords: Suicide; Loneliness; Risk factors; Social isolation; Aged; Suicidal ideations

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