The Most Likely Victim of Suicide by Firearm is a 75-Year-Old Man
Based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, elderly white men are at the highest risk for suicide by firearm, making a 75-year-old man the most likely victim of suicide by firearm. 1, 2
Epidemiology of Firearm Suicide by Age Group
- Elderly firearm suicides have increased by 49% between 2010 and 2018, disproportionately affecting white males 2
- In 2018, the rate of elderly male firearm suicides was 24.96/100,000 compared to only 1.92/100,000 for elderly females, representing a 13:1 male-to-female ratio 2
- Firearms account for approximately 80% of all suicides among men age 65 and older 3
- Firearm suicide rates have increased significantly over time among white men in all elderly age groups, especially those age 75 and older 3
Risk Factors for Elderly Firearm Suicide
- Primary risk factors for elderly firearm suicides include physical illnesses, mental illnesses, and social factors 2
- Older Americans engage in suicidal behaviors with greater planning and lethality of intent than younger adults 2
- The presence of a firearm in the home is associated with increased risk for suicide in older adults, even after controlling for psychiatric illness 1
- Storing weapons loaded and unlocked are independent predictors of suicide among older adults who keep guns in the home 1
Comparison with Other Demographic Groups
- While young black men (15-34 years) have the highest rates of firearm-related homicide, they have lower rates of firearm suicide 4
- Among white males ages 15-19, the suicide rate by firearm is 6.6 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the rate for elderly men 4
- Women of all ages have substantially lower rates of firearm suicide than men 2
- For youth ages 18-20,42% used their own gun for suicide, while 43% used a family member's gun 5
Firearm Ownership and Access Patterns
- For adult males, 88% used their own gun in suicide, compared to only 52% of women using their own gun 5
- Handguns are used in approximately 75% of firearm suicides overall, with the highest rate (92%) among women 5
- Elevated suicide risk is more strongly associated with access to handguns rather than long guns, and this risk is more pronounced in men than women 1
- Easy access to firearms contributes significantly to increased risk of suicide, particularly among older populations 4, 1
Prevention Considerations
- Strengthening state firearm laws and improving mental healthcare for the elderly may help prevent firearm-related suicides 2
- Safe storage of firearms (unloaded and locked) can reduce suicide risk, particularly for individuals who do not personally own the firearms 1
- Clinicians should regularly conduct firearm-availability assessments with elderly men who show signs of depression or suicidal ideation 3
- Education programs for older persons, their families, and healthcare providers about the risks of having guns in the home may contribute to reducing suicide rates 1