The problem of aging of societies and initiatives associating people in late adulthood - suicidological approach

Abstract

This article is a summary of considerations related to the subject of presuicidal prevention conducted in age groups in late adulthood. Since 2016, the project "Good Life of Maria Curie-Skłodowska University" in Lublin has been implemented to increase awareness of acts of self-destruction in 21st century civilization. There are many institutions that deal with the fate of the elderly, one of the initiatives is the Association of “malibraciaUbogich”. It was noted that in late adulthood problems regarding social, mental, adaptive and other difficulties are significant. Many older people came to psychological consultations and for help, considering that they did not have support among their relatives. This is the main reason why seniors collaborate with various organizations as beneficiaries or volunteers. Structured interviews (n = 91) show that many of them feel lonely and unnecessary. On the other hand, activities in organizations of the elderly help them to feel valuable and their activity has a large impact on the local environment. The work is therefore theoretical and practical. The article will add one of the case studies that was conducted with a 60+ woman living in a large city after a suicide attempt.