LOWER rates of unemployment and a booming economy could well be reasons for a drop in suicide cases here.

The total number of suicides dropped from 419 in 2006 to 374 last year - Singapore's first decrease in four years.

But what remains disturbing is the rising number of suicides for one group: the elderly.

According to the Straits Times, calls from the elderly received by suicide prevention group, the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), were related to psychological or social issues.

The elderly often said they thought of suicide because they could not bear the loneliness of living alone, Ms Christine Wong, executive director of SOS told The Straits Times.

They were also troubled by language barriers between them and social workers, as well as their poor health, she added.