Suicide in the elderly: a two-year study of data from death certificates.

Data from death certificates in Kentucky in 1987 and 1988 for persons 65 years old and older were analyzed. There were 205 suicides in the 2-year study period. Suicide rates were higher for the elderly than for any other population group. White men, the group at highest risk, committed approximately 80% of the suicides in the elderly group. Suicide among minorities was rare. Self-inflicted gunshot wounds accounted for 88% of the suicides in the elderly group. Despite their high risk of suicide, elderly white men are underrepresented in terms of psychiatric admissions.