Partner loss and suicide among older adults: A nationwide cohort study from Austria

The study followed more than 1.2 million married individuals aged 65 and older in Austria during 2014-2023. A total of 357 suicides occurred among widowed older adults. The incidence of suicide was higher in the widowed population (56.9 per 100,000 person-years) compared to the non-widowed (29.4 per 100,000 person-years). The highest rates were found among widowed males (170.8 per 100,000) and widowers aged 85 and older (94.1 per 100,000). Suicide risk was highest in the first month after partner loss but remained elevated up to five years after bereavement. The results suggest that recently bereaved older adults have an increased risk of suicide, indicating that monitoring and psychosocial support may be beneficial.