Why are older men disproportionately affected by suicide in Singapore?

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Older Men in Singapore Face Disproportionately High Suicide Rates Due to a Combination of Factors

In Singapore, men aged 60 and above are significantly more likely to die by suicide, a trend attributed to a confluence of factors including retirement, declining health, diminished social connections, and a societal reluctance among men to seek help. In 2024, this demographic accounted for three in four suicides within this age bracket, with 90 men and 30 women aged 60 and above dying by suicide out of a total of 120. This pattern mirrors a broader trend across all age groups in Singapore, where men constituted nearly two-thirds of the 441 suicide deaths recorded in the same year.
Retirement and Loss of Identity

For many men, their identity and sense of purpose are deeply intertwined with their professional roles and their function as primary providers for their families. The transition into retirement can therefore signify more than just the cessation of employment; it can lead to a profound loss of purpose and a feeling of diminished value, particularly if their social networks were predominantly work-related. This can leave them feeling adrift and without a clear role within the family or society.
Social Isolation and Declining Health

Many men do not cultivate extensive social networks outside of their work environments, leading to increased isolation once they retire and their daily interactions at the workplace cease. This social withdrawal is often compounded by declining physical health. Chronic illnesses, persistent pain, disabilities, and reduced mobility can contribute to a diminished sense of independence and purpose, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and depression. When physical ailments are combined with emotional distress, bereavement, or financial worries, the risk of suicide can be significantly heightened.
Reluctance to Seek Help and Manifestation of Distress

Societal expectations, often instilled from a young age, discourage men from expressing emotional vulnerability. This can make older men less likely to openly discuss their feelings of distress or seek professional help. Consequently, depression in this demographic may not always manifest in typical ways but can instead present as changes in sleep patterns, appetite loss, low energy, forgetfulness, persistent physical complaints, or noticeable shifts in behaviour. Families and those close to older men should remain vigilant for verbal cues such as expressing feelings of being a burden or a lack of purpose, as well as observe signs of social withdrawal, neglect of personal care, or a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

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Why are older men disproportionately affected by suicide in Singapore?

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