Image Up Advertising & Design

| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | AUGUST 2021 | 25 Question: I am worried about my neighbor who seems to be depressed and acting strange. What could this be? Older adults make up 12 percent of the US population, but account for 18 percent of all suicide deaths. This is an alarming statistic, as the elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population, making the issue of later-life suicide a major public health priority. In 2002, the annual suicide rate for persons over the age of 65 was over 15 per 100,000 individuals; this number increases for those aged 75 to 84, with over 17 suicide deaths per every 100,000. The number rises even higher for those over age 85. Further, elder suicide may be under-reported by 40 percent or more. Not counted are "silent suicides," like deaths from overdoses, self-starvation or dehydration, and "accidents." The elderly have a high rate of completing suicide because they use firearms, hanging, and drowning. Double suicides involving spouses or partners occur most frequently among the aged. What are the warning signs? • Loss of interest in things or activities that are usually found enjoyable • Cutting back social interaction, self-care, and grooming • Breaking medical regimens (such as going off diets, prescriptions) • Experiencing or expecting a significant personal loss (spouse or other) • Feeling hopeless and/or worthless • Putting affairs in order, giving things away, or making changes in wills • Stock-piling medication or obtaining other lethal means • Other clues are a preoccupation with death or a lack of concern about personal safety. Remarks such as "This is the last time that you'll see me" • The most significant indicator is an expression of suicidal intent Characteristics of high risk are increasing age, being a white male, and being divorced. The strongest risk factor appears to be a major psychiatric disorder at the time of death, as major depression is very often associated with suicide in later life. Misuse of alcohol in combination with a psychiatric illness also signifies a risk. All of these factors can be further intensified by medical illness, family discord, financial trouble, physical disability, unrelieved pain, loss and grief. If you are feeling depressed or suicidal please reach out to someone because we all care about you. You have the right to CHOOSE the hospice you want when the time comes. Call Jennifer Partridge at (951) 663-1060. "Ask a Question" Photo is special to all SASY. It is a class "Good Luck" to Clarence Venable who has moved from Four Seasons, but not out of Hemet and, certainly, not out of our SASY life. This class is strength training only. There are 12 exercises to tone legs, arms and torso. We are back in the Ballroom! We are grateful to have a class with "no masks required" and continue to enjoy the Bistro time after class as well. We are a free class and meet in The Lodge Ballroom at 8:30 am, every Tuesday and Thursday. If you have questions about this class, please call Jeanne Lincoln at (765-7112) or Char Weakley at (926-2599). Strong Adults Stay Young (SASY) Needle Me In last month's article you learned how we came up with the name "Needle Me." Needles come in all shapes and sizes, even the cute little ones you wiggle into the business part of a sewing machine. At our first meeting in July we were pleased to welcome some new ladies who really enjoy sewing projects. Our group is not just for knitters or crocheters. Our group is open to ANY type of needlework, including rug hooking, sewing, appliqué, quilting. Maggie, for one, has decided that she has more affinity for sewing and is looking forward to more projects. We are also a very casual group. If there's a time you just don't feel like coming, or can't make it, no problem! We meet the first and fourth Friday of each month from 1 to 3 pm in The Lodge Arts & Crafts Room. If you have any questions, contact Bobbie Davis at (951) 223-3836 or Maggie Fussell at (951) 388-7640.

• Cover