The golden years are supposed to be golden, aren't they? Others find these years overwhelming. The reasons vary and include loneliness, isolation, lasting complications or pain, economic lifestyle changes, the stress of caring for a disabled spouse, the lack of the robustness of youth, or a combination of these and other factors. Friends and loved ones, as well as caregivers, should learn the basics of detecting the early warning signs to susceptible seniors considering suicide. Knowing can protect our beloved seniors from death by suicide.