Suicide in middle age and later life: sex and race specific life table and cohort analyses.

Cross-temporal data on suicide for the period 1962 to 1981 from the National Center for Health Statistics were analyzed. These data were used to estimate period and cohort suicide rates for the four middle-aged and elderly groups (ages 45 to 64, 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 and older) by sex and race. Statistical procedures included multiple decrement life table analyses and cause elimination life table analyses for each year 1968 to 1981. Results from an age, period, cohort analysis of cohort trends 1962 to 1981 also were presented. The analysis showed that suicide continues to be a serious problem in later life especially among the "oldest-old" (those aged 85 and over) and among nonwhite males. It also showed important differences in cohort risks that may strongly affect future suicide risks among elderly adults.