A Basildon man hanged himself after becoming distressed at getting old.
Charles Hall, 73, of Great Spenders, was found in his home by his wife and daughter on June 2 hanged above the stairs in his family home.
An inquest at Chelmsford Coroners Court heard Mr Hall had had various medical conditions for several years, and had been receiving treatment at Basildon Hospital since 1980.
Over the last few months he had shown a marked physical decline.
A psychiatric report had been prepared on him, and in the weeks leading up to his death he had talked about taking his own life.
His wife, Eileen Hall said: "He did say about three times in the week before he died that he would like to kill himself and he said that to me.
"He just kept saying I'm getting out, I don't think I can handle it." Recording a verdict of suicide, Coroner Dr Malcolm Weir said it was clear he had taken his own life because of the method used, and because of what he had told his wife.
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