Senior Suicide Prevention is a program run by the CHA Department of Community Health Improvement in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Preventing Suicide
CHA's Senior Suicide Prevention program addresses loneliness and social isolation in older adults. We will help you find a health care provider as well as connect you with programs to help you contribute to your community, increase your social interactions and support an active lifestyle.
One of the leading causes of suicide among the elderly is depression, which is often undiagnosed and untreated. Too many people don’t go to the doctor for this common mental health condition. Like many physical health conditions, mental health, if left untreated, has a major impact on a person’s everyday life. Common risk factors for elderly suicide include the recent death of a loved one, physical illness, uncontrollable pain, fear of a prolonged illness or social isolation.
The good news is that there is hope. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can be treated and symptoms can be managed with medication and/or wellness activities. Our program can help.
For Older Adults
Monthly Presentations: provide helpful health information. They are based on well-known health risks of older adults, requests from participants and national health education initiatives. Come ask questions in a supportive space. Some topics include Living Alone Out Loud, Gambling Awareness, How to Overcome Winter Blues and your requests.
My Health Game Shows: are a great way to learn about health information while having fun. Learn about mental health and other older adult health issues while playing the game and winning prizes.
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (My Life, My Health): helps you manage chronic conditions like hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes. Family members, friends and caregivers can also participate. Learn about tools and the practical skills to live better with chronic disease. Classes meet for 2 ½ hours once a week for six weeks.
Technology classes: Bring in your phone, laptop or tablet and learn how to use them effectively. Find out how you can stay connected with your friends and family and find what you need to know on line.
Gambling Awareness: Adults aged 65 and over are the fastest growing segment of the population and often have more time and money to spend on leisure activities, such as gambling. Attendees are invited to learn tips on responsible gambling, treatment options for gambling disorders and other helpful resources.
Mental Health Awareness: Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, how to respond to mental health crisis and the community resources for mental health and substance use. We also offer the national certification in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Contact us to set up a MHFA training today.
For Senior Center Staff and Volunteers Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in your community relating to older adults like depression and substance abuse.
For More Information
Send us an email or call 617 806-8778 if you’re interested in finding out more about our programs and how you can improve your health, reduce your risk for chronic disease and improve your community.
Location
Programs are available in CHA’s service area: Cambridge, Somerville, Malden, Medford, Chelsea, Everett, Revere and Winthrop.