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

Schultz, A.; Stolz, E.; Poetz, E. L.; Jagsch, C.; Watzka, C.; Erlangsen, A.

2026-08-04 epidemiology
10.64898/2026.08.02.26359535 medRxiv
Show abstract

Background: Limited evidence motivated us to examine risk of suicide after partner loss among older adults in Austria. Methods: All married older adults aged [≥]65 years and living in Austria (N=1,293,557) were followed during 2014-2023. Risk ratios (aRRs) for partner loss were calculated based on adjusted cumulative incidence functions. Results: A total of 357 suicides occurred among widowed older adults. Incidence rates among widowed and not widowed were 56.9 and 29.4 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. High rates were found among widowed males (170.8/100,000) and widowers aged [≥]85 (94.1/100,000). Suicide risk was highest in the first month (aRR, 13.6; 95%-CI: 8.7,22.4) but remained elevated up to five years after partner loss (aRR, 2.5; 95%-CI: 2.1, 2.8). Conclusion: Recently bereaved older adults had elevated risks of suicide suggesting monitoring and psychosocial support may be beneficial when bereaved.

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