A new local project aiming to help prevent suicide in older men will host an on-line conference on April 23.
The Stop Male Suicide in Older Men project aims to give people in the Central Coast, Hunter and New England regions, the tools they need to start conversations that could save older men’s lives.
Spokesperson, Glen Poole, said one in five men who die of suicide in Australia are aged 60 and over.
“Suicide kills nine people a day on average and seven of these suicides will be male,” Poole said.
“Men over 60 can be at increased risk for a number of reasons, which include declining physical health, social isolation, bereavement, financial hardship, loss of purpose and mental health issues.
“We want to hear from people who come into contact with older men in their workplaces and communities and find ways we can help them to take action to prevent suicide in older men.
“We’re currently running an online survey and invite everyone who cares about reducing the risk of suicide in older men to visit our website and take part.”
Poole said recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveal that suicide kills 10 men aged 60 and over every week.
Men over 85 have the highest rate of suicide of any age group (32.3 deaths per 100,000 population,) according to official ABS data for 2019.
Stop Male Suicide in Older Men will host an online conference for professionals and volunteers working with older men on Friday, April 23.
The project is funded by Hunter, New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.
Those wanting to register for the online conference or become involved in the project can email stop@stopmalesuicide.com or visit the website www.oldermalesuicide.com
Source:
Media release, Mar 21
Stop Male Suicide in Older Men