The Death of David Carradine and Why the Elderly Commit Suicide

The news broke on June 4^th, 2009. Actor David Carradine was found dead in his hotel room in Thailand, in what may have been a suicide. He was 72 years old. David Carradine was a member of the legendary acting Carradine family. He was the son of John Carradine (Stagecoach), and the brother of Keith Carradine (The Duellists) and Robert Carradine (Revenge of the Nerds.) David Carradine was best known for his role on the Kung Fu TV series in the 1970's and most recently, the title character in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill movies.

It's too soon to speculate on the death of David Carradine and if indeed he did commit suicide. His family and friends insist he was not suicidal. Still, the shocking death of David Carradine does bring up an important issue: why do the elderly commit suicide?

Why The Elderly Commit Suicide: Statistics

According to the website www.suicide.org, the elderly are only about 13% of the US population, but account for over 18% of the suicides. In 2005 white males over the age of 65 had the highest rate of suicide in the US, with 29.5 deaths for every 100,000. Those over the age of 65 were also found to be more likely to commit suicide than those under age 65. The second most common method of suicide was hanging-strangulation-suffocation.

Why The Elderly Commit Suicide: The Reasons

The most common reason cited for why the elderly commit suicide is depression and lack of treatment. Certain illness and diseases may lead the elderly to feelings of depression. They include:

Parkinson's Disease

Multiple Sclerosis

tumors

thyroid conditions

strokes

diabetes

Medications that can cause symptoms of depression include steroids, blood pressure medication, and arthritis medication.

Why The Elderly Commit Suicide: Symptoms of Depression

With depression being the most common reason for why the elderly commit suicide, it is helpful to know what some of the signs are.

Feeling hopeless and helpless

Being sad and depressed most of the time

Expressing suicidal thoughts in spoken words or writings

Change in eating and sleeping habits

Withdrawing from family and friends

Dramatic mood swings and feelings of anger and rage

Again, it is still too soon to speculate on the offical cause of death for David Carradine and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. But take the information above and keep it in mind if you have an elderly friend or relative who may be asking for help without knowing it.

Sources:

http://www.suicide.org/suicide-warning-signs.html

http://www.suicide.org/suicide-statistics.html