Suicide can be misinterpreted as a natural cause of death or the cause of death can be undetermined. This is particularly true sometimes, if an elderly person refuses to take life-sustaining medicines (Devons, 1996). .
Suicides are particularly higher for the elderly who are unmarried or widowed, those who are in institutions, particularly those who do not get visitors (Glass, 1993), and those who suffer from psychosis, alcoholism, severe medical illnesses or social isolation (Casey, 1994). All of these risk factors may lead to depression. It has not been until the last few years that health professionals and the public have begun to learn and appreciate the fact that depression is not a normal process of aging. Recognizing that depression is not normal for the elderly, we now have the responsibility to correctly diagnose and treat these patients with depression (Casey, 1994). .
Some factors that may contribute to depression are mental illnesses, physical illnesses, life conditions and/or events, and biological factors. Psychiatric disorders are the most important aspect to consider when relating suicide to the elderly. It is reported that more then 3/4 of elderly people suffered from some type of psychiatric disorder prior to their suicide, the major disorder being depression (Leo, 2001). Depression may be related to side effects of drugs (Casey, 1994). For example, a blood pressure pill may cause excessive urination, which makes an elderly person not want to go out in public, for fear of incontinence, and so stays home alone. The lack of socializing and fear of humiliation leads to depression. Drugs can be misused in a number of ways: polypharmacy, excessive use, or under dosage, for example, which causes ill effects leading to depression. .
Physical illnesses are also related to depression. They may induce feelings of helplessness and hopelessness (Leo, 2001). An elderly person may feel as if they are burdens to family and friends, and/or society as a whole.