This study examined the effects of depression, drinking, smoking
and social support on suicidal risk of rural elders who live alone.
According to the study results, there were statistically significant
risk of suicidal risk of the respondents with depression. It was also
found that the elderly respondents who drink and smoke more
have higher risk of suicide. In addition, it was turned out that the
respondents who got more support from family had lower risk of
suicide. In order to reduce the risk of suicide, it is necessary to
set up strategies to manage depression, diseases, drinking and smoking effectively. Also, the efforts to strengthen social support
system of rural elders which determine the quality of later life are
needed.