Aging Inmate Offenders: Another Perspective (From Correctional Theory and Practice, P 197-212, 1992, Clayton A Hartjen and Edward E Rhine, eds. -- See NCJ-135949)

• NCJ Number: 135961
• Author(s): C E Walsh
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Nelson-Hall Publishers
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

Data from a random sample of 176 New Jersey inmates aged 55 and older revealed that elderly inmates have different needs than younger inmates and suggested ways in which correctional decisionmakers can meet those needs.

Abstract

Until now, older inmates have remained a fairly constant 3 to 4 percent of the total prison population. However, the numbers of aging long-term offenders are growing. The New Jersey study indicated that older inmates need more preventive medical attention, predictable and orderly conditions, safety, and emotional feedback and support from families. In contrast, younger inmates desire social stimulation, activity, and freedom. Results indicated the need for correctional administrators to place high priority on assessing and projecting the demographics and medical and geriatric needs of their long-term and aging offenders and for development of alternatives for meeting the medical needs of elderly offenders. Other needs include study of current classification systems, housing of older inmates according to their wishes wherever possible, efforts to develop prison "careers" for long-term inmates, and encouragement of volunteer programs to help long-term and elderly inmates cope with prison life. Tables and 50 references