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Increased Suicide Risk Among Older White Males

  • Intentional Violence (S Bonne and M Crandall, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Trauma Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

As one of the leading causes of death worldwide, suicide has become an important public health concern. Several studies have evaluated key demographic factors such as age, gender, and race as increased risk factors for suicide. The goal of this review is to highlight elderly white males as a unique population at risk, as well as help shape future preventive efforts.

Recent Findings

Extensive literature review shows that many risk factors contribute to increased suicide rates in older white males. These may include the presence of mental illness, multiple medical conditions, family history, and occupation. In addition, there has been more evidence to suggest that social isolation and access to firearms as increasingly important suicide risk factors to consider, especially among older white males.

Summary

Increasing awareness of older white males as an at-risk group and focusing on minimizing social isolation and access to firearms may play significant roles in helping shape future preventative efforts relating to suicide.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, USA

    Hannah Cortero

  2. Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    William McCullom & Matthew Kochuba

  3. Extracorporeal Life Support Services, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA

    Matthew Kochuba

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  1. Hannah Cortero
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  2. William McCullom
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Correspondence to Hannah Cortero.

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Cortero, H., McCullom, W. & Kochuba, M. Increased Suicide Risk Among Older White Males. Curr Trauma Rep 8, 179–184 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-022-00233-5

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