Growing older can be a time of joy, wisdom and fulfillment, offering a chance to connect with family, enjoy retirement and reflect on life’s accomplishments. But for some older adults, aging is not always a positive experience. It can bring significant challenges including declining health, the loss of loved ones, reduced independence and increased isolation. These life changes can be very challenging and emotional to navigate. Suicide among older adults is often underrecognized as a risk for Canadians over 65.

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, the number of older adults facing significant mental health challenges is expected to grow. That’s why it’s important for caregivers, families and friends to be aware of the risks, recognize warning signs early and provide the support that can make a real difference.

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Why Are Older Adults at Greater Risk?

As people age, they may face a range of physical, emotional and social challenges that can affect their mental health. These experiences can build up over time, making it harder to cope and increasing the risk of depression or suicidal thoughts. Contributing factors may include:

• Loss and Grief: The death of a spouse, close friends or family members can lead to intense loneliness or sadness.
• Declining Physical Health: Chronic pain, illness or mobility issues can limit independence and reduce quality of life. These challenges may also lead some older adults to feel like a burden to loved ones.
• Major Life Transitions: Retirement, moving into care, downsizing or losing a driver’s licence, are examples of changes that can cause a loss of structure and sense of purpose.
• Social Isolation: Living alone or having few social connections can make it harder to stay engaged or ask for support.
• Mental Health Concerns: Depression, anxiety, substance use and cognitive decline are often under-recognized or mistaken for ‘normal’ aging in older adults and can go untreated.
• Barriers to Care: Transportation challenges, long wait times, stigma and unfamiliarity with available services can make it more difficult to get help.

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How Can You Help Reduce the Risk?

Strong relationships, meaningful activities and a sense of purpose and independence can all help protect older adults from depression and suicidal thoughts. As a caregiver, friend or family member, you can support your loved one’s wellbeing by encouraging:

• Healthy Routines: Small daily habits can improve mood, boost energy and build a sense of stability. Plan and share nourishing meals, take walks together or create a calm sleeping environment to support restful sleep.
• Social Connection: Make time for regular check-ins, family visits or phone calls. Encourage participation in community events or social outings and help strengthen their network of care by involving other family, friends or neighbours.
• Hobbies and New Activities: Help your loved one stay engaged by revisiting familiar hobbies or exploring new ones, like art, music, gardening or joining a local group.
• Opportunities to Give Back: Help your loved one find simple, meaningful ways to contribute like sharing their skills or volunteering. Supporting others can boost confidence and create a sense of purpose.
• Open Conversations: Talk regularly about how they’re feeling. Let them know it’s okay to express sadness, grief or worries and that you’re there to listen without judgement.

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How to Tell If a Loved One Is Struggling?

It can be challenging to tell the difference between expected age-related changes, symptoms of physical illness or signs of mental distress. However, any significant change in mood, behaviour or routine should be taken seriously. Caregivers can watch for warning signs such as:

• Withdrawing from family, friends or community activities.
• Losing interest in hobbies or routines they once enjoyed.
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or being a burden.
• Talking about death or making statements like, “I can’t do anything like I used to,” or “There’s no reason for me to go on.”
• Engaging in risky or uncharacteristic behaviours.
• Giving away personal items or organizing financial affairs
• Showing sudden calmness after a period of depression, which may indicate a decision has been made.

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What Should You Do If You Suspect Your Loved One Is in Crisis?

If you notice warning signs or feel your loved one may be at risk of suicide, it’s important to act quickly and compassionately. Here are key steps you can take to help keep them safe and supported:

1. Start the Conversation: Talking openly about suicide won’t put the idea into someone’s head. Instead, it helps bring existing feelings into the open so they can be discussed and dealt with. Ask directly and calmly with questions like, “Are you feeling depressed or overwhelmed?” or, “Have you been having thoughts of suicide?”

2. Reassure and Validate: Let your loved one know that they are not alone. Acknowledge and validate their feelings without judgement and remind them of the important role they play in your life and others’. Your support can provide hope and make a critical difference.

3. Take Warning Signs Seriously: If your loved one makes concerning comments or displays behaviour that suggests they may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, don’t ignore it.  If there’s an immediate risk, do not leave them alone. Call 9-1-1 or take them to the nearest emergency department. If you are unsure what to do or need someone to talk to, call or text Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7.

4. Keep Them Safe: Remove or secure any items that could be used for self-harm, such as medications, firearms, sharp tools or other dangerous objects. Lock up medications and alcohol if needed, and consider temporarily taking away car keys to prevent impulsive actions. Stay with your loved one if the risk is high and ensure they are not left alone.

5. Involve Others and Seek Professional Help: Not every situation is an immediate crisis, but if you have concerns, involving trusted friends, family members and neighbours can help build a consistent support network. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and offer to assist with finding a doctor, therapist or community mental health program. If possible, accompany your loved one to appointments and help them navigate available services.

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Moving Forward

Recognizing suicide risk in older adults isn’t always easy, but noticing changes, asking questions and reaching out can save a life. Speaking openly about suicide risk, reducing stigma and showing up with care can help more adults feel seen, valued and supported to age and live well.

If you’ve lost someone to suicide, please know it’s not your fault. Suicide is deeply complex and can happen even when someone is surrounded by love and support. In some cases, there are no warning signs and the loss may feel sudden and unimaginable. You are not alone in your grief. For support, contact the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) for resources and a directory of local suicide bereavement services. You can also call or text 988, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, which also offers support to those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide.

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If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read: 

• Let’s Talk About Depression: How to Help Someone You Love
• Helping a Loved One with a Mental Illness Accept Treatment