Stakeholder perspectives on the concept of “firearm retirement"

This study focused on the concept of "firearm retirement," drawing parallels to the established concept of "driving retirement" to support older adults in making autonomous decisions regarding the cessation of firearm use. Aging and associated physiological changes, diseases, or medications can impair an individual's ability to safely handle firearms, necessitating proactive planning for relinquishing firearm access. Unlike driving retirement, where resources are available to support older adults, there is a significant lack of resources for firearm retirement.The study aimed to address this gap by exploring how to engage cognitively intact older adult firearm owners in voluntary, person-centered planning for firearm retirement. This is particularly relevant given the increased risk of harm associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD), terminal illnesses, and other conditions that diminish perceived dignity. These conditions also significantly raise the risk of suicide among older adults. In 2018, older adults (≥65 years) comprised 15% of the U.S. population but accounted for 21% of all firearm deaths, with 91% being suicides. Despite this, there has been minimal exploration of primary suicide prevention through advance planning for firearm retirement.The study leveraged previous work on driving retirement and recent efforts to create resources for ADRD caregivers. It aimed to develop and test interventions specifically for cognitively intact older firearm owners. The goals were to understand stakeholder views on firearm retirement and to create prototype educational and intervention materials based on these insights.The research involved qualitative methods to gather perspectives from various stakeholders, including older firearm owners, their family members, clinicians, and representatives from relevant organizations. The specific aims were:AIM 1: Explore stakeholder perspectives to conceptualize firearm retirement and compare these concepts to theoretical frameworks of driving retirement.H1a: Firearm retirement will parallel key aspects of driving retirement.H1b: Views on firearm retirement will vary by subgroup and context.AIM 2: Develop a prototype intervention informed by insights from Aim 1, utilizing culturally competent approaches to promote firearm retirement.H2a: A multi-modal approach with online and print resources delivered through clinical and community settings will be recommended.H2b: Identified barriers will include lack of awareness, topic sensitivity, and cultural norms, while facilitators will include openness to culturally competent recommendations.H2c: The acceptability of interventions will be influenced by the credibility, trust, and empathy of those delivering the interventions.The study collaborated closely with firearm owners and instructors to ensure the development of effective, acceptable messaging. <br><br>The study led to the development of the "Firearm Life Plan", available online at https://firearmlifeplan.org/<br><br>Qualitative data are not publicly available due to confidentiality considerations, but investigators may contact the PI directly with questions.