By Christine Vanlandingham
The upcoming holiday season is often portrayed as joyful — a time of family, friends, laughter, and celebration. But for many older adults, this season can be a stark reminder of loss, loneliness, and declining health. Behind the twinkle lights and festive music, there’s a silent struggle that too often goes unnoticed: suicide among older adults.
Here’s the sobering truth: adults 85 and older have the highest suicide rate of any age group in the United States. According to the CDC, the rate for adults 65 and older is 17.3 deaths per 100,000—higher than most other age groups. Risk factors include isolation, chronic illness, grief, and financial stress—all of which can intensify during the holidays.
Despair isn’t confined to one stage of life—it’s a human experience that can surface at any age. National data shows that nearly one in five high school students has seriously considered suicide, and almost 10% have attempted it. Among adults, about 5% report having serious suicidal thoughts each year. For older adults, the risk is even more sobering. Suicide rates climb sharply with age, reaching more than 22 deaths per 100,000 among those 85 and older, the highest of any age group. Older men are particularly vulnerable, with rates nearly 17 times higher than women of the same age.
These numbers tell a story: despair can touch anyone, but isolation, chronic illness, and grief make older adults especially at risk. And for me, this isn’t just a statistic—it’s personal. Suicide has touched my life more than once. Most recently, a dear friend lost her daughter to suicide around this time last year. Behind every statistic is a story, a family forever changed. For many, connection isn’t just comfort; it can be lifesaving.
So what can we do? Start with something simple: reach out. A phone call, a visit, or an invitation can make a world of difference to someone who feels forgotten. Pay attention to changes in behavior. If an older adult seems withdrawn, expresses hopelessness, or talks about being a burden, those are signs that should never be ignored. And always share resources. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone in distress. Help is out there—but sometimes people need someone to remind them they’re worth it.
Michigan offers additional support through the Department of Health and Human Services Crisis Line at 1-888-733-7753 and the Michigan Peer Warmline at 1-888-PEER-753. Local senior centers and faith communities often provide holiday outreach and companionship programs, and the Area Agency on Aging can connect older adults to social and mental health resources. Call 800-654-2810 to learn more about local supports, services, and referrals.
Connection isn’t just nice, it’s lifesaving. This holiday season let’s make sure no one feels invisible. A simple act of kindness could be the gift that saves a life.
Need Help?
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 (24/7)
- Michigan DHHS Crisis Line: 1-888-733-7753
- Michigan Peer Warmline: 1-888-PEER-753
- Region IV Area Agency on Aging: 800-654-2810 Local support and referrals
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities
- Expressions of hopelessness or feeling like a burden
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior
- Giving away possessions or talking about death
If you notice these signs, don’t wait—reach out, listen, and connect them to help.
Christine Vanlandingham is CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call (800) 654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org to learn more and get connected to the support you deserve. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.