Running head: LATE LIFE SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR ARTICLE SUMMARY 1

Late Life Suicidal Behavior Article Summary

Lauren Morris

Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing

HSS 3001

Tonya Osmond

January 18, 2020

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Late Life Suicidal Behavior Article Summary

Fiske and O’Riley’s article, Toward an understanding of late life suicidal behavior: the

role of lifespan development theory discuses suicide in late life, and what causes it. It also

discusses elements of developmental theory such as selection, optimization, and compensation

and how they relate to suicidal ideation in older adults.

In the beginning of the article, it contrasts older adult suicide and younger adult suicide

elements. It discusses lethal rates between the two, stating that “suicidal behavior in older adults

is generally more lethal than suicidal behavior at other points in the lifespan”(Fiske & O'Riley,

2016, p. 123). This may be due to the fact that suicidal older adults feel that they have already

lived their life to the fullest extent they could, and that they are a burden to others if they keep

living. This article also touches on gender differences stating that there is a difference in older

suicide rates in women and men; however, further studies are needed in order to explain a reason

behind this.

A major theory in this article suggests that older adults who are less likely to accept and

adapt to their limited abilities are more likely to have suicidal tendencies(Fiske & O'Riley,

2016). The lifespan developmental theory highlights selectivity, optimization, and compensation.

This is the framework for the motivational theory of lifespan development, which stemmed off

of the SOC model. This theory brings to light that older adults need to display compensatory

strategies (such as asking for help or using assistive devices) in order to age normally. Those

who fail to do so, in turn have suicidal thoughts or actions because they believe they are too

much of a burden on others--especially those who are suffering from a significant illness.

It is in human nature to want to have control and be independent, but when physical and

cognitive limitations associated with aging get in the way, it is important to make sure that the
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elderly person experiencing these setbacks adapt to their new limitations and find new ways to

take control. By using the lifespan developmental theory, healthcare providers can prevent older

adult suicide by steering them in the right direction toward compensation strategies. This has to

do with problem-solving therapy. Problem-solving therapy is important to implement because

“some older adults may not engage in compensatory behaviors….largely because they do not

possess the skills needed to do so”(Fiske & O'Riley, 2016, p. 128).

This article is really important to me because in the future I will have older adult patients.

I have previously worked with adults in a nursing home, but I never thought about how they are

adapting to the changes that are taking place in their life. This article opened up my eyes to the

psychological struggles that older adults can face as they are aging, and a lot of times the patient

can be silent about their emotional struggles. This can be fatal. After reading this article, I am

more aware of the importance on checking in on the patient’s emotional well-being in addition to

their physical wellbeing. If I notice that the patient is struggling with the acceptance of their new

hindered capabilities, and they struggle to use compensation strategies, I can implement

problem-solving therapy into their care plan. This can teach the patient how to use compensation

strategies and to accept their limited abilities.

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References

Fiske, A., & O'Riley, A. A. (2016). Toward an understanding of late life suicidal behavior: the

role of lifespan developmental theory. Aging & Mental Health, 20, No. 2, 123-130.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2015.1078282