A total of 415 suicides were recorded last year, slumping down from 422 back in 2013 — but the Samaritan of Singapore (SOS) are worried about the significant upsurge of suicide rates among men, especially the elderly.
TODAY reports that a 29 percent increase has been noted of suicides among men over the last 10 years, from 227 in 2004 to 292 last year. Female suicides however decreased by 20 percent over the same period.
A more worrying figure would be the 117 percent increase in the number of suicides among men between 60 to 69 years of age, from 24 in 2004 to 52 in 2014.
SOS attributes the trend to the values held by the elderly, who tend to adhere more strongly to traditional gender roles. They may be less open to seeking out help and assistance for their issues, and choose to end their lives instead of becoming a burden to their loved ones.
Those in distress can seek out help through the 24-hour SOS hotline to speak to a volunteer or email them at pat@sos.org.sg.
Photo: Sheena876 via Flickr
A total of 415 suicides were recorded last year, slumping down from 422 back in 2013 — but the Samaritan of Singapore (SOS) are worried about the significant upsurge of suicide rates among men, especially the elderly.
TODAY reports that a 29 percent increase has been noted of suicides among men over the last 10 years, from 227 in 2004 to 292 last year. Female suicides however decreased by 20 percent over the same period.
A more worrying figure would be the 117 percent increase in the number of suicides among men between 60 to 69 years of age, from 24 in 2004 to 52 in 2014.
SOS attributes the trend to the values held by the elderly, who tend to adhere more strongly to traditional gender roles. They may be less open to seeking out help and assistance for their issues, and choose to end their lives instead of becoming a burden to their loved ones.
Those in distress can seek out help through the 24-hour SOS hotline to speak to a volunteer or email them at pat@sos.org.sg.
Photo: Sheena876 via Flickr