Western culture places a high value on doing. When seniors reach the age where they can no longer do many of the things they used to, they are often treated as though the value of their life has decreased. Aches, pains, and limitations of mobility sometimes confine seniors to a life inside their own heads. This, combined with failing mental faculties can be a very discouraging season of life. Even if a senior is treated well, the doubt that they have value creeps in. The fear of becoming a burden to someone they love can make suicide seem like a viable option. Isolation and the accompanying feeling of loneliness can also be a contributing factor in the uptick of senior suicides. The dynamic of community has changed drastically in the past few decades leaving seniors behind. For many of us, community is online, or connecting with our friends and family requires driving or flying great distances. Struggling with loneliness is a human condition that everyone faces. For most of us, the cure is just a text and a drive away. For seniors with limited mobility, loneliness is a constant companion. Suicide should not be an option for those who are feeling the daily wear and tear of isolation. A third issue that lead our loved ones to contemplate suicide is undiagnosed mental health issues. Anxiety and depression are two of the main mental health issues that plague our senior loved ones. This season is often dubbed “the winter years” or “the twilight years”. While picturesque, these names don’t exactly inspire courage or hope. In many places in the USA, the collective cultural rejection of people with mental health issues has changed. Seeking help is actively encouraged. However, just a few decades ago, admitting you were struggling with something like anxiety or depression came with a heavy stigma. Most seniors grew up in that culture and are still living under that burden. For them, seeking out a therapist is not considered an option.