EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The Senior Life Solutions program at Excelsior Springs Hospital is spreading the word about a growing concern in Clay County – and America in general. That concern is suicide among the elderly. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy website states that 18% of suicides are committed by elderly people. When it comes to suicide among population segments, the elderly tend to be overlooked, SLS Program Director Lindsey Hash acknowledged Sept. 15 by phone. “I think it’s because, a lot of times, depression in older adults is undiagnosed,” Hash said. “And there’s a misconception that depression and mental health problems are just part of getting older.” In addition, elderly suicide is not discussed much, Hash said. “People just assume that older adults maybe … (die) from old age or other health problems,” she said. To help increase awareness about suicide among the elderly and in observation of September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness…