North Carolina seniors are dying by suicide more frequently, new report shows
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If you are having thoughts of suicide or other mental health struggles call or text 988 for a 24/7 hotline. Call 988-PEERS-NC for the North Carolina peers warmline to talk to someone with experience with substance abuse and mental health concerns.
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North Carolina’s elderly are dying by suicide more frequently than in years prior, according to a new report.
America’s Health Rankings Annual Report is the longest-running annual assessment of the nation’s health on a state-by-state basis, according to the group’s website. The group also produces a senior report that now has more than 10 years of data on the comparative health of older adults.
North Carolina ranks No. 24 for health, according to America’s Health Ranking.
The senior report for 2026 evaluates each state on 56 measures of health with 25 data sources. Death by suicide and substance abuse is up, but there are some good signs too. Read the report at americashealthrankings.org.
Nationally, older adults face rising rates of excessive drinking and suicide, according to the report.
North Carolinian senior suicides rose 16%, from 15.7 to 18.2 deaths per 100,000 adults age 65 and older between 2018-2020 and 2022-2024.
South Carolina is no different; South Carolinian seniors also faced a 16% increase in suicides over the same time period, The State reported.
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Possible causes of senior suicide include social isolation, loss of personal freedom due to illness and fear of being a burden, according to the National Council On Aging. Older adults comprise 16.8% of the population, but make up approximately 22% of suicides.
Drug deaths among North Carolinian seniors went up 40% from 7.2 to 10.1 deaths per 100,000 adults age 65 and older between 2019-2021 and 2022-2024. America’s Health Rankings data shows adults ages 65-74 were the only age group that experienced a significant increase in drug deaths between 2022 and 2023.
In 2024, overdose deaths in North Carolina dropped, mirroring a national trend. The number of deaths decreased from 828 in 2023 to 770 in 2024, The News & Observer reported.
The senior report lists North Carolina’s strengths:
While the report notes low community support expenditures in the state, it also shows a 36% increase in geriatric clinicians between September 2021 and 2025.
The News & Observer recently produced a series of articles on senior care. Visit newsobserver.com to dive deeper:
Inspired by a story from The State in South Carolina.
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