English summary: SUICIDE IN THE ELDERLY

Suicide rates per 100 000 persons over 65 have been reported to be higher than those in younger age groups. The absolute number of suicides in the elderly is expected to rise, and more precise ways to identify suicide risks are needed. On the basis of forensic examinations, suicide rates and methods in elderly people in Northern Finland were compared with those in people younger than 65. Data from earlier illnesses of the suicide victims were obtained from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register and scrutinized for records of multiple physical disorders. The mean annual suicide rate per population of 100 000 was 22.5 in the elderly and 33.2 in persons less than 65 years of age. We noticed a diminishing trend in the number of suicides in the elderly during the study period (from 1988 to 2003). Among elderly victims suicide methods were more often violent, and the victims were seldom under the influence of alcohol. Northern Finns showed lower suicide rates in the elderly, and the rates decreased during the study period. Our results suggest a higher risk associated with multiple physical illnesses in combination with a history of depression. Good physical health, religiousness, and need-adapted health care services may serve as protective factors.