A growing number of senior women are taking their own lives with firearms, according to new research that highlights a troubling shift in suicide trends among older Americans.
The study, published Aug. 25 in JAMA Network Open, found that firearms were used in nearly 40% of suicides among women aged 65 and older in 2023—an increase from about 35% in 2014. While men remain far more likely to die by gun suicide, the rate among older women is rising more sharply.
“We found alarmingly high proportions of firearm suicides among both older women and men, but the increase among women outpaced that of men,” said lead author Dr. Ziming Xuan, a professor of community health sciences at Boston University School of Public Health.
Researchers analyzed U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from 2014 to 2023. Over that period, 63,559 seniors died by firearm suicide, with men accounting for more than 91% of those deaths. Firearm suicides among older men held steady—77% of suicides in 2014 versus 78% in 2023—while women saw a rise of about 5 percentage points.
Experts say the increase may reflect shifting demographics of gun ownership. Nearly half of new U.S. gun owners are women, according to prior studies, prompting calls for suicide prevention strategies that better address older women’s risks.
“Firearms have become a disturbingly common method of suicide for older adults,” said senior author Mark Kaplan, a professor of social welfare at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs. “Because gun attempts are so often fatal, the chances of rescue are significantly reduced.”
Rates vary widely by state. The highest proportions of firearm suicides among seniors were recorded in the South, with Alabama and Mississippi topping the list for both men (93% and 91%) and women (68% each). In contrast, states with stronger gun laws—including New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and California—had lower firearm suicide rates among older adults.
The findings underscore the importance of mental health screening in senior care, Kaplan noted. “Health care providers should engage older patients experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts by inquiring about their access to firearms,” he said. “Open discussions about firearm safety can be a crucial step in prevention.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
