Elderly people being better looked after, is thought to be cutting suicide rates.

Research in the New Zealand Medical Journal today finds rates in men between 60 to 80 have halved in recent decades.

And there's almost no suicide amongst elderly Maori.

Psychiatrist and researcher John Snowden says one reason is medical advances helping people stay healthier for longer.

But he says that's not all.

He says there's also better health services now, looking after the welfare of older people.