Proposal Presented for the Master Plan for Aging (#83)
Disclaimer
Throughout the MPA process, more than 100 proposals were developed thanks in particular to thousands of hours of work by external stakeholders and members of the public. These proposals and the MPA Council commentary are being submitted to the Governor and shared with policymakers and the public to inform policymaking. These proposals represent a starting point for discussion. Further discussion is necessary between relevant state agencies and stakeholders to both refine these proposals and assess which may be appropriate to adopt and implement.
Summary
Provide education and active engagement of older adults to facilitate better firearm safety. Include mental health and suicide prevention in a program of engagement for firearm owners.
Justification
Firearm injury is a major source of preventable injury and death amongst older adults as they are at an elevated risk of cognitive impairment, serious illness and depression that can cause suicidality. Nationally, those over the age of 50 account for 33% of firearm associated deaths. About 84% of those are suicides (https://ihpi.umich.edu/news/how-can-we-reduce-firearm-death-toll-older-adults). In New York, white (non-Hispanic) males over the age of 75 are at the highest risk for firearm suicide. Many older gunowners have not planned for the future in regard to their firearms. The Firearm Retirement Plan will initiate conversations that actively address firearm location and safety concerns.
Full Proposal
Given the high number of older adults that may have firearms and the high number of deaths associated with firearms in older adults, there is a need to ensure firearm safety is included throughout the lifespan.
Nationally, those over the age of 50 account for 33% of firearm associated deaths. About 84% of those are suicides (https://ihpi.umich.edu/news/how-can-we-reduce-firearm-death-toll-older-adults). In New York, white (non-Hispanic) males over the age of 75 are at the highest risk for firearm suicide.
The Firearm Retirement plan touches on the need to have a conversation with older adults about their firearms, where they are located, and when to remove them if there is a safety concern. Furthermore, given the focus on mental health and suicide prevention throughout the Master Plan for Aging, a conversation around firearms is an important step when addressing those topics across the lifespan.
This proposal is focused on primary prevention.
MPA Council Commentary
This proposal is categorized as near-term. Proposed first steps for implementation could include convening State Agency partners to determine existing programs and communications on procedures for gun safety, safe-storage, and gun retirement programs. Additional implementation steps could include the development of provider engagement educational and program referral materials and a Technical Assistance Memorandum directing the Aging Services Network on firearm safety for older adults.