Understanding Suicide Among Older Adults: Protective Factors, Prevention and Resources

According to the National Council on Aging, while older adults are roughly 16.8% of the U.S. population, they make up approximately 22% of suicides. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., and it is not just a preventable tragedy but a growing public health crisis. Suicide rates are higher in older adults for many reasons, including depression, grief, chronic illness, being confined to the home and loneliness.

Attendees will explore how the stigma that surrounds both aging and mental health has resulted in suicide rates among those over the age of 65 that exceed any other age demographic, what the unique warning signs among this group look like, methods to reduce older adult suicide and what resources are available locally and nationally.

Participants will be able to:

• Educate attendees about relevant suicide statistics and understand suicide as a public health issue.
• Discuss how stigma and ageism combine to raise suicide rates among older adults.
• Discuss the unique suicide warning signs that appear among older adults and recognize someone at risk for suicide.
• Discuss suicide prevention activities aimed specifically at older adults.
• Learn how to Question, Persuade and Refer someone who may be suicidal.

Presenters:

• Sandy Williams, Esq., is passionately engaged in suicide prevention and awareness activities in Ohio. After losing her father to suicide in 2011, she has been committed to removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues affecting older adults. Ms. Williams is a licensed attorney, past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and President of Jerry’s Walk – Illuminating Suicide Awareness.
• Jason Hughes is a program manager and veteran liaison for the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation and manages the first responder Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training. Mr. Hughes served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and has since channeled his passion for suicide prevention into various roles and initiatives.

This workshop offers 3.0 clock hours for social workers, #RSX089101. The Ohio Board of Nursing accepts events approved for counselors and social workers for continuing nursing education.

Cost: $40 for Ethics CEUs or $20 without CEUs.

Registration is requested by June 7: The registration form and payment are required – click here for the full brochure that contains the registration form. We cannot accept credit cards as payment.

WE ARE EXPERIENCING OCCASIONAL MAIL DELAYS: Please notify Kelsey Snowden, Communications & Training Coordinator, at (937) 341-3020 or ksnowden@info4seniors.org that your registration is coming. This will help to ensure you receive the workshop reminder and link in time, even if registration is delayed through the mail. We appreciate your help and consideration.