Suicide and parasuicide in old age: a review.

The disproportionately high suicide rate among the elderly is examined in this review. As opposed to younger age groups, a close association exists between suicide and parasuicide in old age. Factors associated with these events include a high incidence of depression, serious physical illness, as well as social factors that serve to isolate the individual and deprive him of positive support and therapeutic intervention. A high risk profile and integrative model are proposed.