In Spain, as in most countries, people over the age of 65 have the highest suicide rates. These rates increase with age and are significant enough to constitute a social and public health problem.
Visible suicides in Spain—those cases recorded in official statistics—are far from a minor issue. They represent the leading external cause of death among people aged 65 to 69, both at the national and regional levels.
This situation is particularly noteworthy given the continuous growth of the older population and is especially concerning in view of the scarcity of reliable statistical data on deaths by suicide among those over 65, as well as the almost complete lack of statistically grounded knowledge about the factors influencing such deaths.
The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with death by suicide among older adults in our context. Specifically, drawing on official data from the National Institute of Statistics, we analyse suicide mortality rates in the population over 65, the causes of death and methods used, and the underlying causes of mortality.
We then compare these findings with the strategies set out in current suicide prevention plans of the health administrations. The ultimate goal is to determine whether there is a coherent relationship between the factors linked to suicide and the preventive actions currently being implemented.
