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Seniors have access to mental healthcare and emotional support

Suicide Rates (Ages 65+)

Current Value

21.50 per 100,000

2016

Definition

Line Bar Comparison

About This Indicator

Definition: 3-year rolling rate (per 100,000 population) of deaths from suicide (ages 65 and older) by all means over the past 3 years, collected every year. Rates are per 100,000 population and are calculated using population estimates provided by the Florida Legislature, Office of Economic and Demographic Research. All age-adjusted rates utilize the Year 2000 Standard Population Proportion.

Source: Florida Department of Health, Florida Charts

2025 Target: 18 per 100,000












How Do We Compare?

Below is a comparison of the value for this indicator among seven coastal counties: Charlotte, Sarasota, Collier, Lee, Manatee, Hillsborough, and Pinellas. These counties have been recommended as comparable counties by Sarasota County Government.

Suicide Rates (Ages 65+) per 100,000 Population (2014-2016)








Story Behind the Curve

In 2014-2016, the suicide rate for seniors ages 65 and over in Sarasota County was 21.5 per 100,000, or a total of 83. This rate has increased 38% from 2003-2005. Currently the elder suicide rate in Sarasota County is approximately the same as Florida’s (21.2 per 100,000).

The prevalence of elder suicide may be representative of a lack of access to mental healthcare. It is not uncommon for suicide rates to be higher among elderly people. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide rates have been consistently high for people over the age of 85. Until 2007, this age group had the highest suicide rate nationally. After 2007 it was surpassed by people age 45 to 64. A similar trend is seen in Sarasota County; residents ages 45-64 have the highest suicide rate, and people 85+ have the second highest rate. Within the 65+ age group, suicide rates are significantly higher among white men than among Black/African American men, Black/African American women, and White women. Additionally, Sarasota males ages 65 and over have a suicide rate approximately three times higher than Sarasota females ages 65 and over.

Potential factors for high suicide rates among the elderly include: increased instances of successful suicide attempts due to less physical resilience, physical illness, inability to function independently in daily life, fear of becoming a burden to family members, and social disconnection. A 2011 study, called Suicides Late in Life, showed that being unmarried and living alone was positively associated with suicide attempts among adults age 70 or older. By creating ways that seniors can feel more socially connected, our community may potentially lower the incidence of elder suicide.

Clear Impact Suite is an easy-to-use, web-based software platform that helps your staff collaborate with external stakeholders and community partners by utilizing the combination of data collection, performance reporting, and program planning.

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