Presenter Classification
Graduate Student
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Start Date
22-4-2026 1:50 PM
End Date
22-4-2026 2:20 PM
Keywords
older adult, suicidal ideation, risk factors
Abstract Type
Scientific Literature Review
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Suicide in older adults is a increasingly prevalent tragedy worldwide, and rates in North America have uniquely increased over the past two decades. The context of the cultural environment of North America and population-specific factors in the elderly must be explored to protect this vulnerable group.
Purpose Statement Question: In older adults living in North America, what experiences and risk factors influence the development and severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors?
Literature Review: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart guided the search of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycInfo databases. Key search words included “suicidal ideation,” “suicidal thoughts,” “suicide,” “suicidality,” “older adults,” “elderly,” “geriatrics,” and “seniors.” After implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria of primary research conducted within the last 5 years in North America with texts written in English, seven studies were identified for further analysis.
Findings: The literature review identified key risk factors of physical and chronic illnesses, pain, cancer, frailty, disability, burdensomeness, loneliness, hopelessness, negative perceptions of health, depression, mental illness, grief, and lack of social and emotional support.
Conclusions: Assessment and intervention strategies implemented in the current healthcare system are inadequate to address geriatric suicidality, and the identified risk factors should be used to develop improved assessment tools and interventions targeted specifically for older adults in North America.
Included in
A Systematic Literature Review Examining Suicide Risk Factors in Older Adults
Introduction & Background: Suicide in older adults is a increasingly prevalent tragedy worldwide, and rates in North America have uniquely increased over the past two decades. The context of the cultural environment of North America and population-specific factors in the elderly must be explored to protect this vulnerable group.
Purpose Statement Question: In older adults living in North America, what experiences and risk factors influence the development and severity of suicidal thoughts and behaviors?
Literature Review: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart guided the search of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PsycInfo databases. Key search words included “suicidal ideation,” “suicidal thoughts,” “suicide,” “suicidality,” “older adults,” “elderly,” “geriatrics,” and “seniors.” After implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria of primary research conducted within the last 5 years in North America with texts written in English, seven studies were identified for further analysis.
Findings: The literature review identified key risk factors of physical and chronic illnesses, pain, cancer, frailty, disability, burdensomeness, loneliness, hopelessness, negative perceptions of health, depression, mental illness, grief, and lack of social and emotional support.
Conclusions: Assessment and intervention strategies implemented in the current healthcare system are inadequate to address geriatric suicidality, and the identified risk factors should be used to develop improved assessment tools and interventions targeted specifically for older adults in North America.
