Older adults harm themselves just as often as younger people but in subtler, often invisible ways
Self-harm is usually seen as a problem faced by the young – but new research from VUB challenges that view. Older adults, too, can get caught in patterns of self-destructive behaviour, often hidden behind alcohol, medication or quiet sorrow. The study reveals how feelings of loneliness, loss and overwhelm can spiral into behaviours that have long gone unnoticed.
VUB study among over-60s shows nearly one in ten older adults self-harms, mostly through alcohol or medication misuse. A VUB study has revealed that nearly one in ten people over the age of 60 intentionally harms themselves — most often through alcohol or medication misuse. The findings apply to older adults living in residential care, those living independently, and individuals in psychiatric care. The main reason behind this behaviour is almost always linked to some form of loneliness and to “overwhelming emotions” that these individuals find difficult to cope with.
Lisa Van Hove, a researcher at the VUB Faculty of Psychology, surveyed no fewer than 790 people aged 60 and over as part of her research.
“One of the main factors behind this behaviour is the absence of relationships that are sufficiently intimate and warm,” says Van Hove, who is completing a PhD on the issue. “Many of these older adults are also dealing with a mental health diagnosis, such as depression.”
Van Hove, along with psychology students and with the help of numerous senior organisations (such as the Flemish Council of Older People), invited 790 older adults to complete an extensive questionnaire. The youngest participant was 60, the oldest 103. The respondents were not specially selected — anyone over 60 without a cognitive disorder (such as dementia) was eligible to take part.
Previous studies involving younger people — who may also self-harm, often by physically injuring themselves — have shown that they do so mainly because they struggle to deal with certain emotions. “It’s very similar for older adults,” says Van Hove. “They don’t typically hurt themselves physically like younger people, but instead turn to alcohol, medication, or sometimes stop eating. These become ways to manage those overwhelming feelings. Older adults who self-harm tend to be more vulnerable. They may be ill, less mobile, or struggling with mental health issues.”
The research also found differences between the various groups surveyed. “Our results show that self-harming behaviour is more common among older adults living at home than in residential care. At this stage of the research, I can’t draw conclusions about possible gender differences in self-harm. Those findings will come later.”
To build on these findings, a participatory research project will be launched within the new VUB expertise centre PRISM, in collaboration with GPs, professionals and stakeholders. The goal is to develop a toolkit on self-harm among over-60s and to test its effectiveness. The new PRISM centre officially opened this month and will focus on innovation in psychological interventions.
