Suicide in old age. Retrospective 20-year analysis of the population of Zwickau

Despite disconcerting numbers, the subject of suicide in old age still lacks the necessary attention. Suicides of elderly persons only come into the focus of public interest if they involve prominent personalities. This article presents the characteristics of suicides in Zwickau, with a focus on persons over the age of 65 years. The data for Zwickau were compared to the results of national and international studies. A retrospective statistical study of all deaths by intentional self-harm was carried out for the years 1994-2013 in the urban area of Zwickau. The study included death certificates, investigation and autopsy records. The deaths were examined with respect to demographic aspects, suicide method, motivation and prior notification. Older adults (> 65 years) showed the highest rates of suicide in Germany and also internationally. The investigation of deaths by suicide in the town of Zwickau, West Saxony, during the period 1994-2013 showed a statistically significant higher suicide rate in the age group over 80 years old. Given the demographic development in Germany, the increasing multimorbidity and social isolation of older people, a further increase in suicide in old age is to be expected. The problems associated with this phenomenon should be expounded in the coming years. It is necessary to extend preventive measures and to educate older people about existing offers of help.