Adjustment of Older Inmates: An Analysis of Institutional Structure and Gender

• NCJ Number: 127958
• Journal: Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 264-281
• Author(s): P C Kratcoski; S Babb
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Denver, Col., March 1990

Annotation

The study examined the older inmate, male and female, in regard to their institutional adjustment in the areas of education, recreational and security needs, physical and mental health, and social relations. The implications for correctional facilities are then examined in light of the collected data.

Abstract

The percentage of inmates over the age of 50 is expected to be 16 percent or more by the year 2005. The number of older female inmates will also increase significantly. This trend may create a need for changes in the physical correctional buildings since a number of these prisoners may be unable to climb stairs and may need expanded medical and mental health services. When compared to the general inmate population in the United States, the data showed that older inmates are more likely to have achieved a higher level of education, to have been employed in business or in a profession, and to have a higher representation of white inmates. Nine tables present the results of the study, and the implications for correctional institutions overall are discussed. 9 tables and 11 references