Elderly Inmates

The population of elderly prisoners in the United States has increased by

more than 1,400 percent since 1981. Three decades ago, American pris-

ons housed fewer than 9,000 prisoners age 55 and older; today, that num-

ber stands at 156,000. By 2040, the elderly prisoner population may top

400,000.

The care of the elderly is extremely expensive. Inmates over 50 are

more likely to have health and mental health problems than noninstitution-

alized Americans because they often come from poor backgrounds, have

a greater likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse, and have more restricted

access to health care. Many suffer from chronic illnesses such as hyper-

tension, asthma or other lung disease, and arthritis. National studies find

that nearly 40 percent of state inmates 55 and older have a recent history

of mental health problems or disorders. It is not surprising, then, that the

average cost of housing an inmate over 60 is $70,000 a year, which is about

three times the average cost for other prisoners. More than $16 billion is

now being spent annually caring for these aging inmates, and this amount is

expected to grow dramatically as their numbers rise.

The aging of the prison population has come about from longer sen-

tences resulting from the get-tough-on-crime measures that impose truth-in-

sentencing, mandatory sentences, and three-strikes laws, as well as an

increasing number of older people convicted of sex crimes and murder.

There are different adjustment rates for elderly prisoners. The longer the

amount of time remaining to be served, the harder it usually is for the elderly

person to deal with confinement. Background factors, such as level of edu-

cation and marital status, can also affect the adjustment of the elderly. Some

inmates, especially those imprisoned early in life, are more institutionally de-

pendent than others. Some have higher morale and are more involved in

programs and prison life than others. In many prisons, however, there is little

programming or specialized treatment geared for elderly inmates. The elderly

prisoner is vulnerable to victimization and requires special attention when it

comes to medical treatment, housing, nutrition, and institutional activities.

Some states are now contracting with private nursing homes to care for some

of their elderly and disabled inmates under so-called "medical parole" pro-

grams. However, there has been resistance to this form of early release, and

not all private facilities have been willing to accept elderly inmates. Connecti-

cut has asked the commercial nursing home industry to create unique, non-

secure facilities that hold prison inmates and patients from the state mental

hospital who require long-term nursing care. This way, the inmates are not

sharing a room with noncriminals. Other states, including Michigan, Kentucky,

and Wisconsin, are considering this approach.

1. Older prisoners need more orderly conditions, safety precautions,

emotional feedback, and familial support than younger prisoners.

They are particularly uncomfortable in crowded conditions, tend

to prefer small groups, and want time alone. Should they be

housed in traditional prisons, no matter what they have done

in the past?

2. Would community-based institutions be a more suitable alternative?