4 or 5 people attempt suicide every day AsiaOne | Wed, Nov 23, 2011 SINGAPORE - Every day, four or five people in Singapore try to kill themselves, and at least one succeeds. More alarmingly, doctors and social workers say people attempting suicide appear to be getting younger and younger, The Straits Times reported. While the elderly used to make up the majority of suicidal people, the number is seeing a gradual move towards those in their 30s and 40s, triggered by issues such as failed relationships and debts, said Ms Esther Lim, head of medical social services at the Singapore General Hospital. Most attempted suicides which end up at hospitals involve an overdose of medication. Some try to slash their wrists. For older folks, often the triggers stem from loneliness, frustration or pain from an illness or disability, said Ms Lim. Professor Kua Ee Heok, a senior psychiatrist at the National University Hospital, said the lower numbers of elderly people attempting suicide may be due to the rising awareness among general practitioners to look out for older patients who complain of headaches or sleepless nights as often suffering from depression as the underlying cause. He said that he hopes to further reduce the rate of elderly suicides by starting a programme designed to stave off depression in old people by keeping them active physically, socially and mentally. The programme, which will likely take place at Jurong Point shopping complex, will encourage elderly folks to go to the centre twice a week for activities such as Taiji and singing. Each individual will be assigned a case manager to help them fill up their calenders with activities and ensure they take their medication in a timely manner. The hospital is currently recruiting experienced nurses to run the programme.