As the population of older adults continues to grow in the United States, a concerning trend is emerging regarding firearm suicides among older women. While older men have historically been more likely to die by firearm suicide, a recent study by the Boston University School of Public Health and the University of California, Los Angeles Luskin School of Public Affairs has found a significant increase in firearm suicides among older women.
According to the study published in JAMA Network Open, firearms were involved in nearly 40% of suicides among older women from 2014 to 2023, up from 34.9% in 2014. This increase is particularly alarming as women represent nearly half of all new gun owners in the US. The findings highlight the urgent need to better understand the immediate and long-term consequences of firearm suicides among older women and to develop tailored interventions to mitigate this growing issue among all older adults.
The research team, led by Dr. Ziming Xuan from Boston University and Dr. Mark Kaplan from UCLA, analyzed firearm suicide data among older adults from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They found that while more than 90% of individuals aged 65 and older who died by firearm suicide were men, the proportion of firearm suicides among older women increased by approximately five percentage points during the study period.
One of the key takeaways from the study is the variation in firearm suicides among older adults by state, with southern states showing the highest proportions of suicides by gun. States with stricter firearm laws tended to have fewer firearm-related suicides among older adults, emphasizing the importance of policies and programs to address mental health conditions and access to firearms among this population.
As the proportion of older adults in the US is expected to grow in the coming years, it is crucial to provide enhanced access to mental health care for older adults, especially in states with high levels of firearm ownership. Health care providers should engage older patients experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts in discussions about firearm safety to ensure their well-being.
The study underscores the need for continued research and public health initiatives to address the unique risks that older gun owners, especially women, face regarding firearm suicides. By raising awareness, implementing targeted interventions, and promoting responsible gun ownership practices, we can work towards reducing the incidence of firearm suicides among older adults and safeguarding their mental health and well-being.
