Firearm suicide among older men

Data from the Compressed Mortality File for the years 1979 to 1991 were analyzed to determine epidemiologic trends in the rates of suicide by firearms among three age groups of white and black men age 65 and older (65 to 74 years, 75 to 84 years, and 85 years and older). In 1991, among men age 65 and older, firearms accounted for 80 percent of all suicides. Firearm suicide rates increased significantly over time among white men in all three age groups, especially those age 75 and older, and among black men between the ages of 75 and 84. Clinicians should regularly conduct a firearm-availability history with elderly men who are depressed or suicidal.