Chile reports high elderly suicide and alcohol mortality rates among men

Data from Chile’s Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS) highlights a critical mental health crisis among the elderly, particularly men. Between 2016 and 2024, Chile recorded 1,662 deaths due to alcohol dependency in individuals aged 20 and older. Male mortality in this category was 13.5 times higher than female mortality, with the highest rates observed in the 65 to 79 age group.

Suicide rates among older populations are also a significant concern. Between 2024 and the present, 993 people aged 60 or older died by suicide, accounting for 19.21% of all suicides in that period. Statistics show a stark gender gap, with men representing 88.1% of these cases.

Experts suggest these trends are linked to socialized models of masculinity that discourage vulnerability and help-seeking behavior. There is a noted gap in how men interact with health systems compared to women, necessitating mental health policies that address gender perspectives and the specific risks of alcohol and substance use in aging populations.