New statistics just out reveal a troubling spike: More elderly Singaporeans are taking their own lives.

The number of elderly aged 60 and above who committed suicide peaked at 129 in 2017.

This was the highest since suicide tracking started in 1991, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) said on Monday, July 30.

This is of particular concern as senior suicides bucked the trend given that the total number of suicides have gone down overall.

A total of 361 suicides were reported last year, 15 percent lower than the 429 in 2016.

Profile of seniors who commit suicide

Elderly Singaporeans killing themselves highlights an issue for a certain segment growing old in Singapore.

The typical profile of a senior who is more likely to commit suicide, is probably someone aged 75 or above, living alone or with a spouse, and has only up to primary school education.

SOS executive director Christine Wong said: “It is very worrying that many elderly are turning to suicide as the only choice to end their pain and struggles, when they should be enjoying the lustre of their golden years.”

Reasons for senior suicides

Experts, such as suicide prevention counsellors and social workers who assist the elderly in alleviating suicidal tendencies, said elderly Singaporeans harbour suicidal thoughts due to a myriad of reasons.

One common occurrence is due to elderly persons feeling life is "empty and meaningless".

This could be due to the lack of familial attachment, as their own offspring might be busy with their own lives, especially in Singapore.

Another common occurrence is when elderly persons lose loved ones such as a spouse or carer, which will result in a loss of dependence, and even simple freedoms, such as mobility.

The elderly person might lose faith in life and think there is not much more life has to offer.

The issue's genesis could be due to or compounded by an absence of social support, or the onset of a chronic or terminal illness.

Callers to 24-hour hotline for talking about suicidal tendencies have reported feeling social disconnection, the fear of burdening family and friends, and daily difficulties due to physical challenges and deteriorating mental health as reasons for contemplating taking one's own life.

Fewer calling in

The current trend appears to show that fewer seniors are calling in to hotlines to talk about their problems.

And this trend is worrying as senior suicide rates go up.

One reason could be due to seniors feeling uncomfortable calling in or thinking no one can understand or help.

Others might not even be aware they can get help.

This predisposes socially-isolated elderly to depression and suicidal thoughts, when struggles go undetected and unaddressed.

How community can help

With community help and individuals such as counsellors and general practitioners chipping in, suicide prevention can be more effective.

This is so as red flags can be spotted and concerns the elderly express are not readily dismissed as faulty thinking.

Some symptoms of suicidal tendencies include making preparations for death, like writing a will or giving away cherished belongings, questioning a sudden change in environment, and a sudden withdrawal from social interactions.

Other red flags include physical complaints such as "wa long cong tia", which is Hokkien for "I'm feeling pain everywhere", as well as lower personal hygiene to indicate self-neglect, and a dirty living environment.

Elderly who are struggling with a recent life crisis, like the death of a loved one or excessive medical bills, should be given attention.

Physical traits such as loss of appetite and weight loss, inability to sleep and refusal to take medicine, can be used to spot suicidal tendencies.

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Those keeping a lookout over the elderly should not brush off expressions of suicidal thoughts. This could be their cry for help.

The community and an individual's social support groups should continue to step up efforts on suicide prevention, and look into the myriad of conditions that push an elderly person to suicide.

SOS said: "Beyond just being a reporting figure, the annual suicide statistics also reveal the reality of struggles faced by ordinary Singaporeans."

H/T The Straits Times & Channel News Asia