Objective:

To establish the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior in older people residing in the urban areas of five Colombian cities.

Methods:

A quantitative and analytical study to evaluate associated factors in a survey of 2506 individuals older than 60 was carried out. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis was carried out, taking the dependent variable: suicidal behavior, and independent variables: depressive symptoms, and demographic, social, and health conditions to adjust the final model. Hypothesis tests and crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were also calculated.

Results:

Suicidal behavior was 45.8%, with the highest proportion in adults from Pereira, followed by residents in Medellín and Santa Marta. The variability of risk is explained in 51.9%: depressive symptoms, discomfort, physical inactivity, and low perception of quality of life.

Conclusions:

Suicidal behavior in older people is a multifactorial phenomenon and preventable, which requires early detection of depressive symptoms, followed by the promotion of physical activity and the subjective perception of quality of life. Therefore, public health policies are needed that promote happiness, dignify old age, and respect their rights.