South Korea’s Elderly Suicide Crisis: Nearly 10 Deaths Daily Driven by Social and Economic Pressures
A recent study published in the Journal of the Korean Medical Association revealed that nearly 10 South Koreans aged 65 and older died by suicide daily between 2019 and 2023. The suicide mortality rate for this age group in 2023 was significantly higher than that of younger adults. Factors contributing to this issue include loss, financial stress, loneliness, and chronic illness, along with the use of more lethal methods. The study emphasizes the importance of training healthcare professionals to identify warning signs and recommends a collaborative approach to suicide prevention.
John Q. Hosedrinker