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A Narrative Review of Suicidal Ideation in the Elderly: Identifying Risk Factors and Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies
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Fahime Mohamadpour   , Reyhane Mohammadi , Nurallah Mohammadi * |
| Shiraz University |
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Abstract: (27 Views) |
Introduction: Suicidal ideation among older adults represents one of the major mental health challenges in later life and is shaped by the complex interaction of psychological, physical, and social factors. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of risk factors, protective factors, and underlying pathways associated with suicidal ideation in older adults.
Methods: This study was conducted as a narrative review. Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar using keywords related to suicidal ideation, suicide, and older adults. After removing duplicate records and screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, studies addressing psychological, physical, social, and familial factors associated with suicidal ideation in older adults were selected. The findings were synthesized using a thematic narrative approach.
Results: The findings indicated that suicidal ideation in older adults is a multifactorial phenomenon influenced by psychological factors (depression, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, and loss of meaning), physical factors (chronic illnesses, pain, and cognitive decline), and social factors (reduced independence, loss of loved ones, social isolation, and limited social support). In addition, previous suicide attempts and a family history of suicide were identified as important risk factors, whereas social support, a sense of belonging, social participation, and access to mental health services were recognized as protective factors.
Conclusions: Given the multifactorial nature of suicidal ideation among older adults, its effective prevention requires the adoption of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach that simultaneously focuses on identifying risk factors, strengthening protective factors, and promoting mental health, physical health, social support, and the quality of life of older adults. The implementation of such an approach can play an important role in reducing suicidal ideation and designing effective preventive interventions for this population. |
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| Keywords: Suicidal ideation, Older adults, Risk factors, Depression, Social support, Social isolation, Chronic illness, Suicide prevention |
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Eldely mental and psychological issues
Received: 2026/07/12 | Accepted: 2026/04/30 | Published: 2026/04/30
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