I ran across an article last week on a visit to the beach.  The article reported an increased suicide risk in the elderly population.  The elderly have a 4% higher risk for suicide than any other age group.  This is expected to rise even more as more boomers reach retirement age.  The article also reported a real lack of services to address this problem. 

     I can only make an educated guess at the causal factors as I have not found empirical research.  It could be that once retired and faced with the reality of what to do with one's time in a meaningful way, many find no answers.  It could also be that there is a lack of funds to support an acceptable lifestyle.  Costs are rising, Social Security is tenuous, retirement funds are being robbed, seniors are using credit, and the retirement dollar is not stretching far enough. 

     Health care is pricey.  Some retirees find themselves caught in the crack between qualifying for subsidized programs and services and making too much money to qualify but not enough to afford them otherwise.  Therefore they have to live somewhere they do not like because it is all they can afford.  They have to make choices almost daily as to what to give up in order to pay for necessities.  For others, health problems place real limits on activity choices. 

     What then can be done to prevent the rise in suicide amongst the increasing number of boomer retirees?  My favorite saying is if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  Those who approach retirement with a blind eye letting it come upon them with no planning or concern as to what quality of life will await them in old age are doomed to disappointment.  Disappointment can lead to depression when untreated can lead to suicide. 

   At least one of the preventatives is planning.  Know ahead of time what amount of money you will have available at retirement.  Take steps ahead of time to ensure you will have a retirement lifestyle that is acceptable to you.  I am not speaking of a dream retirement lifestyle here, but a lifestyle that will afford enough comfort to avoid depression.  If you see you are approaching retirement without enough resources get help in figuring out what to do ahead of time.  Maybe it means you have to work longer.  Maybe it means you have to live with one or more roommates.  Maybe it means living in a part of the country that is less costly.  Perhaps you can take steps now that will provide residual income in the future.  Do something, don't just let it happen. 

If you have a retirement fund, contribute regularly even if it is a small amount.  Don't use it to send you kids to college.  Protect it at all costs.  Don't use credit.  If you cannot buy it with cash, you cannot afford it.  Plan what you will do for productive activity in "retirement".  Perhaps you will take up a different, less intense career or meaningful volunteer work.  If you have limited funds, stay involved in groups or activities that will connected with other seniors.  Find ways to pool resources like sharing household expenses to afford a better apartment. 
Please, if you have ideas post them.  We can all benefit from the wisdom of others.