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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Global suicide rates highest among older adults, particularly men, study finds
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By Karen Feldscher
Around the world, suicide rates are higher among older adults than all other age groups combined—and higher among older men than older women, according to a new study.
The study was published July 11 in The Lancet Healthy Longevity. Hanseul Cho, who earned an MPH in quantitative methods in 2025 from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, was co-first author, and Harvard Chan’s Alexander Tsai was also a co-author. Other co-authors came from universities in South Korea, France, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
Using data from the WHO Mortality Database, the study analyzed 687,443 suicide deaths among adults age 65 and older from 47 countries and territories from 1996 to 2021, out of nearly 3.5 million suicide deaths in the total population during that period. Researchers determined which suicide methods were used and projected future suicide rates through 2050.
They found that suicide deaths were significantly higher among adults age 65 and older than among individuals of all age groups (15.99 per 100,000 individuals vs. 10.87 per 100,000). Suicide rates were much higher among older men than older women (29.24 vs. 6.47 per 100,000). Researchers found that, in this older population, the most common method of suicide was hanging. Also, older adults used firearms more frequently in suicides compared with the total population—and firearm suicides were notably higher in older men than in older women (5.46 vs. 0.16 per 100,000).
Suicide deaths declined between 1996 and 2021, from 23.34 per 100,000 individuals to 15.99 per 100,000, with a larger decline among women than among men. But researchers projected that the rate of decline would slow by 2050.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Factors associated with suicide rates included poverty rates, alcohol use disorders, mental disorders, firearm ownership, and use of pesticides in croplands, the study found.
With the global population aging, the issue of suicide among older people will grow more pressing, the authors noted. Their findings, they wrote, “underscore the need for rigorous monitoring and targeted strategies for vulnerable subgroups, such as older men and those in the most advanced age groups.”
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
