Elderly people represent the age group with the highest risk for suicide, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In 2004, the suicide rate among the general U.S. population was 11 per 100,000 people. The rate is 14 per 100,000, however, for people age 65 and older, the CDC says.
The number of elderly suicides is likely to escalate as baby boomers get older, mental health experts told the Associated Press. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) has proposed legislation that would fund more suicide-prevention programs for the elderly and expand Medicare coverage for mental health services.
