Older Adults and Suicide: Protective Pathways to Apply SHORES in Counseling

Authors

Anna A. Ellenson, Kent State UniversityFollow
Jenny L. Cureton, Kent State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Older adult suicide (OAS) is a growing concern as the U.S. population continues to age and access to counseling expands. Despite legal and ethical requirements, counselors are often underprepared to address suicide in later life, especially through the lens of suicide protective factors (SPFs). This conceptual article introduces SHORES, a research-informed mnemonic (Skills and strategies for coping, Hope, Objections to suicide, Reasons for living/Restriction of means, Engaged care, and Support), to help counselors assess, intervene, and plan treatment with older adults. We review literature on OAS, highlight gaps in counselor training, and provide an application guide for using SHORES with older adult clients. We discuss implementation strategies, ethical considerations, and training implications, positioning SHORES as a practical and culturally intentional tool to support counselors in addressing SPFs with their older adult clients.

Author ORCID Identifier

Anna A. Ellenson - https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6417-9904

Jenny L. Cureton - https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3626-9194

Submission Requirements Checklist

1

Recommended Citation

Ellenson, Anna A. and Cureton, Jenny L. (2026) "Older Adults and Suicide: Protective Pathways to Apply SHORES in Counseling," Adultspan Journal: Vol. 25: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2161-0029.1223
Available at: https://mds.marshall.edu/adsp/vol25/iss1/4