(image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Oct. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — The Citizen’s Coalition for Safety (CCS) has argued that the elderly show clearer signs of wanting to commit suicide compared to other demographic groups, making it easier to intervene in any suicide attempts.
Yang Du-seok, the director of the Center for Suicide Prevention at the CCS, said Tuesday at a policy conference that “while suicide attempts by the elderly almost always lead to death because of thorough preparation, they can easily be prevented because there are signs that one can easily find during their long periods of preparation.”
He argued that “lessening social roles, withering networks, income loss, a feeling of being rejected by family, and deteriorating health condition are some of the main reasons that lead the elderly to commit suicide,” adding that “weeping or using expressions like ‘I’ve lived enough’ or ‘I’m useless’ are some of the indications that an individual may be thinking of committing suicide.”
“In such cases, it is important to listen to what they are saying, and let them know that you care for them or want to help,” Yang said.
Hyun Myung-ho, a professor of psychology at Chung-Ang University, said that today’s elders in South Korea “are at a high risk of committing suicide, having gone through extreme situations including the Korean war and poverty,” adding that “various kinds of support are needed to make them feel like they are not burdens to society.”
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
