In Canada: expert warns of boomer suicide "epidemic"

Suicide among the elderly could soon become an epidemic if people don’t start talking about it, says a speaker coming to Vernon next week. Dr. Barry Hall, a professor at the University of Calgary and expert in adult suicide, said more must be done to raise awareness about suicide among older Canadians. “I don’t want it to be a hidden epidemic,” said Hall. “We’ve got to put this on the public radar. We’ve got to put this on the government radar.” Canada is the only G8 nation without a national suicide prevention program, he added. As Canada’s millions of baby boomers become seniors, suicide could become an epidemic unless mental health services are increased, he said. "Baby Boomers Face Hidden Epidemic" Daily Courier (British Columbia)