Suicide among older persons - United States, 1980-1992
Article Abstract:
The suicide rate in the elderly is increasing after decades of decline. Between 1980 and 1992, suicide rates increased in only two groups: children 5 to 19 years old and elderly people 65 years or older. In 1992, 19% of all suicides occurred in the elderly even though they only represent 13% of the population. Overall, the number of suicides in the elderly increased 36% between 1980 and 1992. The greatest increase (35%) occurred in those aged 80 to 84. Eighty-one percent of the suicides in the elderly were men. Guns were used by 74% of the men and 31% of the women. Divorced and widowed men and women had the highest suicide rates. Risk factors for suicide in the elderly include depression, alcohol abuse and social isolation.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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The Definition of Anemia in Older Persons
Article Abstract:
The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for diagnosing anemia in elderly people appear to be accurate. WHO defines anemia as a hemoglobin level below 7.5 in women and 8 in men. Researchers analyzed mortality rates in 755 elderly people 85 years old and older. Men with anemia according to the WHO criteria were more than twice as likely to die as men with higher hemoglobin levels. Women with anemia had a 60% increased risk of death. As hemoglobin levels decreased, the risk of death increased. Mortality rates from other pre-existing diseases were higher in people with anemia.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Gastrostomy Placement and Mortality Among Hospitalized Medicare Beneficiaries
Article Abstract:
Most elderly patients who receive gastrostomies while hospitalized appear to die within three years. Gastrostomies are feeding tubes placed through the abdomen to supply nutrition to patients who cannot or will not eat. Researchers reviewed 81,105 Medicare patients over 65 years of age who received gastrostomy tubes. Fifteen percent died while hospitalized, and 24% died within 30 days of discharge. The mortality rate continued to rise after discharge, and 81% of gastrostomy patients died within three years of feeding tube placement.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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