Frightening statistics tell spooky tales
Aug 28, 2017 11:04AM ● By Cloie Sandlin
Mesa County has every reason to be scared, but it’s not because Halloween is on the horizon—our already high suicide rates are climbing. According to the Mesa County Coroner’s Office’s most recent report, about one-third of deaths by suicides in 2016 were those of people age 50 and older. Among all 2016 suicide victims, depression was high on the list of possible stressors precipitating the act, and families and friends reported that almost two-thirds of the decedents did not seek any mental health services.
This is a tough topic, but we feel it’s an important one to address. Please read on for stories of survivorship in this month’s issue, as well as resources for those suffering from depression or grief.
If you’re experiencing depression or contemplating suicide, know that there is help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.
Stay healthy and wise
Here at the BEACON, we’re committed to delivering you information to help you live a healthy, active lifestyle. Inside this month’s issue, you’ll find our fall Health & Wellness insert. It’s packed with everything you need to know about vaccinations for older adults, the inspirational story of an incredible senior athlete, and more.
Speaking of wise...
We should celebrate grandparents every day, but National Grandparents’ Day is officially observed on September 10. I can’t imagine life without my grandparents, and everyone I know feels the same. Even if you aren’t personally a grandparent, your life has been touched by one. Please join the BEACON in letting these important role models know just how much we love and appreciate them.
Send us your spooky photos
We’d love to include some of your favorite Halloween photos in October’s issue. Photos of yourself, photos of your grandkids, scary photos you simply can’t explain—we want to see them all! Send them to [email protected] or P.O. Box 3895, Grand Junction, CO 81502.
Montrose-Delta BeaconFest
Fall is here, and that means the seventh annual Montrose-Delta BeaconFest is too! If you’re in the mood for a grand ol’ time, join us for this incredible boomer and senior fair, held on September 21 at the Montrose Pavilion from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. We’ve planned an exciting lineup of live entertainment, free food, informative seminars and booths from over 50 senior-related businesses.
Representatives from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid will be on site to offer help, and Walgreens will be giving out free flu shots. Admission is always free.
And one more scary thing.
Recent financial reports state that a staggering number of baby boomers have little or no retirement savings. Next month’s Retirement Planning insert is designed to help you avoid the pitfalls of planning so that you spend your retirement years living—not worrying.
