Delray, FL: Delray elderly couple dies in murder-suicide

DELRAY BEACH, Fl --Carl Sims, 83, did not leave a note or anything indicating why he chooses to take his life. Police believe it was the agony of medical issues that led Sims to shoot his wife of 15 years Florence, 86, in the head, before turning the gun on himself. A similar incident happened this Saturday in Jensen Beach. Police say an 84 year old man shot his 76 year old wife several times, then killed himself. Advocates for the elderly say there is plenty of support in South Florida for seniors who feel their situation is desperate. The Centers for Disease Control says there are 5 main reasons for elderly suicide. 1. The recent death of a loved one 2. Physical illness, uncontrollable pain or the fear of a prolonged illness 3. Perceived poor health 4. Social isolation and loneliness 5. Major changes in social roles (e.g. retirement) Brenda Bryant is the Vice president of the Mae Volen Center in Boca Raton, she says the center offers many options, like the Active Senior program and Adult Day Care that can help the elderly cope with the stress. "It is not going to be returning them to being 20 and athletic, but it will be an option that might make life more tolerable for them," said Bryant.