Seniors turn to suicide: Empower Pacific attends to 100 cases within five months

THE elderly were among 100 people that attempted suicide over the first five months of 2023.
This was revealed by Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam during a press conference with Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Sashi Kiran in Lautoka on Friday.
Mr Morgam said they were extremely concerned by the amount of attempted suicide cases they received so far this year.
“This is where I would like to emphasize as we mark World Elder Abuse Awareness that if they need assistance at home and they need to talk to someone, call our helpline, 5626, so we can help you,” he said.
“Empower Pacifi c in 2023, from January 1 to May 31, attended to a total of 100 cases.
“These are cases that we attended to face-to-face and for us that is very high.
“We have a lot of attempted suicide that is happening within our communities and it is not only young people. We have elderly people as well in these cases.”
He said the trend was especially concerning that it could be more than last year’s figures.
“Last year, we attended to 223 attempted suicide and self-harm cases.
“So to compare last year’s figures to 2023, we are already 100 cases within the first five months.
“That is a matter of concern for us.
“We would like to say to the public if you are in a difficult situation and you are contemplating harming yourself, please call our helpline, 5626, so we can help you.”
Ms Kiran said there had been a lot of issues being raised about elder abuse.
“While we have this conversation we also need to highlight that there are services available that our elders can call to seek assistance from,” she said.
“We urge them to seek these services out and call people that can help.”