Suicide prevention is a priority for public health, with prevention strategies developed in the four nations of the UK. And yet, these strategies say relatively little about people in later life, despite age related data in Scotland on completed suicide showing an upwards trend in those over 65 since 2020 (NRS, 2022). We also know that self-harm and suicidal behaviour in older people is more likely to result in death than in younger groups with fewer warnings.
Why the increase? Our ageing population provides some explanation, but so too does ageism. This contributes to people not seeking support or getting help. Furthermore, deaths by more passive acts of suicide — such as the voluntary stopping of eating, drinking or taking medication — go unrecognised and are under-reported and under-recorded.
This webinar was to help practitioners working in the field improve recognition of suicidal thought and behaviour in older people, share how we can improve responsiveness and access to support based on the evidence.
Speakers
Dr Trish Hafford-Letchfield is Professor of Social Work at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Trish is a qualified nurse and social worker and has significant experience in managing adult social care services. Her main research interests are the care experiences of older people from marginalised communities focusing on LGBTQI+ inequalities as well as suicide in later life. Her latest book ‘Trans and Gender Diverse Ageing in Care Contexts: Research into Practice’ with Toze and Willis was published in July 2024.
Joining Trish are Dr Susan Rasmussen and Dr Konstantina-Karastoyanova-Gibson.
Susan is a Reader in Psychology and a chartered health psychologist with over 20 years’ experience of conducting research on suicidal thinking and behaviour across the lifespan.
Konstantina is a Teaching Associate with research interests in health, socioeconomic inequalities, disparities in health and the biological bases of disadvantage and has researched older people, social isolation and loneliness.
