Suicide among elderly white men: development of a profile.

1. Older white men have the highest suicide rate in the nation; a linear increase of suicide occurs with each passing year of chronological age. 2. Elderly who attempt suicide are more likely to communicate their intentions less frequently and to use violent and lethal means. 3. Chronic sleep problems, pain, degenerative illness, or clinical depression may be experienced by older white men at suicidal risk; somatic complaints including imaginary symptoms can mask depression. 4. Educational programs, outreach mental health programs, and enhanced consultation/coordination improve case findings and early intervention. Holistic nursing care, including pain alleviation, depression assessment, and simple comfort measures, are imperative in suicide prevention in the elderly.