Suicide Prevention Organizations Do Not Target Older Adults
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, March 6, 2025 -- Despite acknowledging that older adults are a high-risk population for suicide, the websites of suicide prevention organizations do not prioritize older adults, according to a study published in the April issue of The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
Hailey V. Cray, M.P.H., from McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts, and colleagues conducted a Google search using the term "suicide prevention organizations" to identify the most visible organizations. A qualitative analysis of their websites was performed to examine prevention campaigns for older adults.
The researchers identified seven organizations; although five acknowledged older adults as a high-risk population, none of the organizations had specifically targeted public health campaigns. Only two of the organizations provided resources for older adults, while five provided resources for youth and other demographic groups.
"Our analysis of leading suicide prevention organizations' websites points to the need for more visible and accessible suicide prevention efforts for older adults," the authors write. "These efforts also must take into consideration the unique health care needs of older adults, including managing the presence of numerous comorbid conditions and complex mental health needs."
One author disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted March 2025
Read this next
Psilocybin Plus Psychotherapy Offers Lasting Benefit in Cancer, Depression
MONDAY, June 16, 2025 -- For cancer patients with a major depressive disorder, a single dose of psilocybin combined with psychological support can provide sustained relief for...
Adverse Childhood Experiences Tied to Endometriosis Risk
FRIDAY, June 13, 2025 -- Early life adversity is associated with an increased risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis later in life, according to a study published online June...
Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length Linked to Higher Incidence of Age-Related Brain Diseases
THURSDAY, June 12, 2025 -- Individuals with shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) have a higher incidence of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression (LLD), individually and...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.