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Sherman A1

(38,958 posts)
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 02:21 PM Jul 2019

Silent suicide: The fatal combination of old age, loneliness and loss


Tom Rote, 70, lives alone on his property in Harrisburg. Many of his friends and family members have died in recent years, and he can no longer do some of the activities he used to enjoy, like flying in hot air balloons, now that he’s older.

Rote’s circumstances check every box when it comes to risk factors for depression.

He’s a white male, over the age of 65, living alone in a life full of loss. While these factors can increase the risk for depression in all people, for older adults they pose a bigger threat — silent suicide.

Among older adults, suicide prevalence is already high — and drastically underreported

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/silent-suicide-the-fatal-combination-of-old-age-loneliness-and/article_7c0571d4-984b-11e9-95e6-4f258b3ba807.html
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Silent suicide: The fatal combination of old age, loneliness and loss (Original Post) Sherman A1 Jul 2019 OP
Alienation KT2000 Jul 2019 #1
I am a decade older than Tom and at140 Jul 2019 #2
The community pool where I swim Ohiogal Jul 2019 #5
I bet all those who show up at SS at140 Jul 2019 #6
As for cost of Gym, at140 Jul 2019 #7
Thanks. I'll take a look at Silver Seakers in my area. Sounds like something that will enhance my li RestoreAmerica2020 Jul 2019 #10
That's one of the reasons marybourg Jul 2019 #3
Important post. I have lost two friends, older men, to suicide. Senior males living alone are emmaverybo Jul 2019 #4
I belong to the Ethical Culture Society. A great many members are over 70. no_hypocrisy Jul 2019 #8
Good on you GeoWilliam750 Jul 2019 #9
Thanks. Sounds like a supportive group. I've considered some suppot groups, maybe take another look. RestoreAmerica2020 Jul 2019 #11
Listen, I'm not a "joiner" and I wanted to be a member after my first encounter with the group. no_hypocrisy Jul 2019 #12
Here's a link area51 Aug 2019 #13
70 isn't that old. PoindexterOglethorpe Aug 2019 #14

KT2000

(20,841 posts)
1. Alienation
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 02:32 PM
Jul 2019

is a big factor in our society for all age groups. "A community coming together" is something that makes the news. Families are spread all over the country. Angry, rude, and crude discourse have thrown up barriers between strangers in a society that breathes competition.
The US is living a non-life sustaining lifestyle. It is not up to doctors to be on the lookout for the casualties but all of us to fashion a society that is life giving.

at140

(6,134 posts)
2. I am a decade older than Tom and
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 02:35 PM
Jul 2019

I can still do every chore and sport I did during my 50's. There is only one reason for that..
Treadmill every other day for 30 minutes at 3 deg up-slope followed by some light weight lifts.
I rarely see seniors in the GYM! Why is that? Seniors have loads of time on their hands.
It is only young people in great shape and body builders. While who needs exercise the most?
That is right...all of those older than age 60. Of course when I worked full time, I had no time
or energy to go spend an hour in Gym 4-5 times a week. In fact I retired before eligible for
social security/medicare because of being out of shape and in not good health. It was a choice
between getting heart attacks or giving up a paycheck. I chose to make serious changes. Regular
exercise has turned my life around. I can't stress importance of exercise enough for old people.

Ohiogal

(34,711 posts)
5. The community pool where I swim
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 03:05 PM
Jul 2019

Is chock full of seniors — arthritis class, water aerobics, and lap swimming.

Exact same thing at the community center where my husband swims. They all have Silver Sneakers.

At the indoor mall where I walk, there’s a health center that’s always full of seniors on the treadmills and bikes. They offer services such as blood pressure screenings, classes on “how to fall,” etc.

Medicare plans that offer Silver Sneakers are a big help. Private gyms and pools can be unaffordable for an older person on a fixed income. Many older folks feel unsafe or vulnerable going for a walk in a park or on a street.

at140

(6,134 posts)
6. I bet all those who show up at SS
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 03:25 PM
Jul 2019

are healthier than average. If you visit any hospital in US, they are chock full of people out of shape.
No wonder our healthcare costs are the highest in the world.

at140

(6,134 posts)
7. As for cost of Gym,
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 03:28 PM
Jul 2019

the condo I live in has a nice Gym & pool included in HOA fee.
You can buy a condo here for $110k with 2 BR & 2 baths.
HOA is less than $200/mo. And Florida beaches are minutes away.

RestoreAmerica2020

(3,458 posts)
10. Thanks. I'll take a look at Silver Seakers in my area. Sounds like something that will enhance my li
Tue Jul 16, 2019, 03:23 PM
Jul 2019

...when I was younger, I enjoyed membership at fitness clubs, waa a way to socialize other than work; yet too expensive, to far to drive.

marybourg

(13,182 posts)
3. That's one of the reasons
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 02:49 PM
Jul 2019

why living in an active senior community is a big plus. I'm older than him and a recent widow, with some health issues that prevent me from participating in many things, but that still leaves so many fun activities that my calendar is rapidly becoming full!

emmaverybo

(8,147 posts)
4. Important post. I have lost two friends, older men, to suicide. Senior males living alone are
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 02:57 PM
Jul 2019

in an at-risk suicide group. The may have health and economic issues, a double whammy, while
their network of support has dwindled. Sometimes the tipping point is just one thing—loss of job,
eviction, bad health news.

I applaud you seniors who have worked hard on your emotional and physical resilience, but you may not realize this demographic is at more risk by some accounts than any other.

no_hypocrisy

(48,815 posts)
8. I belong to the Ethical Culture Society. A great many members are over 70.
Sun Jul 14, 2019, 04:51 PM
Jul 2019

Some are married; some are widowed. Belonging to our community gives them options regarding socialization. For one thing, we have dinners maybe once a month. (We're all foodies.) When someone loses a spouse, we come together to support the surviving member. The survivor rarely drops out and rejoins and remains active.

Here's a prime example of how we continue to support our older members: A woman in her late 80s had to move out of her house and into an adult community about 45 minutes away. She liked her new home but missed Ethical. I have volunteered to drive out to her in order to allow her to attend a platform once a month. And same thing for festivities, parties, community dinners. She became more verbal and looked forward to these activities. Right now, unfortunately she is dying. Other members and I have regularly visited her and support her daughter who is taking care of her.

Trust me, she is not alone.

RestoreAmerica2020

(3,458 posts)
11. Thanks. Sounds like a supportive group. I've considered some suppot groups, maybe take another look.
Tue Jul 16, 2019, 03:41 PM
Jul 2019

Last edited Tue Jul 16, 2019, 06:42 PM - Edit history (1)

no_hypocrisy

(48,815 posts)
12. Listen, I'm not a "joiner" and I wanted to be a member after my first encounter with the group.
Tue Jul 16, 2019, 06:35 PM
Jul 2019

10+ years later, I'm the Ass't Director of Education and the Board Secretary. And you can find me in the kitchen, washing dishes after the dinners and festivities.

I love listening to the stories of our older members who started our Society in 1952 during the McCarthy Era.

area51

(12,142 posts)
13. Here's a link
Fri Aug 2, 2019, 07:51 AM
Aug 2019
with the toll-free # of a senior friendship line.

"Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly."

PoindexterOglethorpe

(26,727 posts)
14. 70 isn't that old.
Sat Aug 3, 2019, 01:38 PM
Aug 2019

I'm 70. It's not old.

Tom Rote needs to make new, younger friends. Find a hobby to replace flying hot air balloons. Maybe do a bit of volunteer work of some kind.

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