Aging inside: Older adults in prison

Abstract

The number of older prisoners is rising rapidly throughout the world and this trend is expected to continue. In this chapter, the characteristics and needs of older adults in prison will be discussed, including their differences in comparison to younger prisoners. I will present the main challenges that elderly prisoners are raising, and my personal experience of conducting research among elderly detainees. Currently there is little in the way of age-specific service provision for elderly offenders despite their high degree of chronic physical and mental health need. In contrast to other offenders, this group is more likely to have mobility needs as well as a different pattern of social and custodial problems. Research into this area is limited, though growing, particularly in the US and UK, with some interesting developments being made. A strong evidence-base is needed to inform national and international policy about how best to care for and manage older offenders.