In Seniors' Hands, Firearms Can Be Even Deadlier

Experts say older adults who own firearms, especially those struggling with dementia, can be an even greater danger to themselves and others, reports the New York Times . Coincident with a climbing rate of gun sales in the United States is an increase in suicide rates. "Suicide risk is elevated in people with dementia, but it's more of a factor early in the illness," says Dr. Yeates Conwell at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. Later, "people are less able to organize a suicide attempt and more apt to be under supervision." Seniors die more often even though they attempt suicide less frequently than younger people, partly because they use such lethal methods; however, healthcare providers who ask older people about driving and wandering may not inquire about firearms. The University of Colorado School of Medicine's Dr. Michael Victoroff says gun owners at the very least should use locks and safes to secure firearms, while those adamant on keeping loaded weapons handy could use an inexpensive rapid access safe with a keypad. Meanwhile, Marian Betz at the University of Colorado School of Medicine has proposed a family firearm agreement, in which the signer concedes that while he wants to control his firearms as long as possible, "the time may come when I can no longer make the best decisions for the safety of myself and others." The agreement also delegates an individual to tell the signer when that time comes.