Renowned writer Qiong Yao has passed away at the age of 86, shocking various sectors. The Taiwan Suicide Prevention Association has put forward seven major risk factors leading to elderly suicide following the news of her death, urging the public to pay more attention to the elderly to detect and provide timely assistance.
Qiong Yao, born Chen Zhe, is best known for her “Princess Returning Pearl” trilogy, which is popular in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Qiong Yao was found deceased at her residence in Tamsui District on the afternoon of the 4th. Paramedics discovered her without breath or pulse. Before her passing, Qiong Yao instructed her family and friends to release a pre-death note on Facebook along with her final work, “When Snowflakes Fall”. However, she also emphatically stated, “Young ones, never easily give up on life.”
Qiong Yao’s son, Chen Zhongwei, and daughter-in-law, He Xiuqiong, released a statement today through Qiong Yao’s Facebook, emphasizing that they will abide by her wishes by holding a private farewell without a public memorial or any media events to conserve societal resources.
The Taiwan Suicide Prevention Association issued a statement today mentioning that the passing of renowned writer Qiong Yao has attracted social attention, and her pre-death note and audiovisual content have been widely reported by the media. The association solemnly urges the public to confront the issue of elderly suicide.
The suicide rate among the elderly (65 years old and above) remains the highest of all age groups in Taiwan. The reasons for suicide for the elderly are multifaceted, with factors like declining health, societal roles, the passing of loved ones, and loss of autonomy worsening potential negative impacts. As Taiwan moves towards an aging society, this remains a critical issue. Apart from careful media coverage, it is crucial for everyone to actively care for the mental and physical well-being of the elderly, pay attention to potential risk factors and signs, and provide appropriate assistance.
1. Mental Illness: Severe depression, delusions in old age, organic brain diseases, and other mental disorders may increase the risk of elderly suicide.
2. Physical Health Status: Chronic illness, disability, pain, or major surgeries can lead to emotional distress among the elderly, increasing the risk of suicide.
3. Social Isolation: Factors like retirement, widowhood, children moving out can cause social isolation among the elderly, leading to a lack of social support and increased likelihood of negative emotions.
4. Economic Pressure: Reduced income after retirement, increased medical expenses, and financial burdens can cause excessive psychological stress among the elderly, raising the risk of suicide.
5. Sense of Loss and Worthlessness: With age, the elderly may feel their societal contributions diminish, losing life purpose, leading to feelings of worthlessness and consequently increasing suicide risk.
6. Alcohol or Drug Abuse: Elderly individuals may use alcohol or drugs to escape from physical or mental issues, but these substances can exacerbate feelings of depression and despair, increasing suicide risk.
7. Long-term Care Pressure: Long-term care can pose significant challenges to the psychological health of both families and the elderly, a crucial aspect not to be overlooked in elderly suicide issues.
The Taiwan Suicide Prevention Association highlights warning signs before elderly suicide: low mood, depression, anxiety, irritability; loss of interest, decreased vitality; sleep disturbances, changes in appetite; talking about death, wanting to end life; giving away precious items, settling affairs; sudden calmness or cheerfulness contrasting with previous low moods.
The association offers several suggestions to prevent elderly suicide: actively care for the elderly, listen to their troubles; encourage older adults to participate in social activities, maintain interpersonal relationships; assist the elderly in seeking professional help, such as psychological counseling, psychiatric treatment, etc.; monitor changes in the physical and mental condition of the elderly, detect and intervene early.
“Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility,” the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Association calls on the public to collectively safeguard lives, “Let’s care for the elderly around us together, and protect the precious lives.”
Cherish life, suicide cannot solve problems, there is always a way out in life. If counseling or related assistance is needed, you can call the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare hotline “1925,” the Lifeline hotline “1995,” or Teacher Zhang’s service hotline “1980.”