A Commentary on Age Segregation for Older Prisoners

Abstract

The growing number of older prisoners in state and federal prisons has fostered an important discussion in literature regarding the potential benefits of age-segregated living arrangements for older inmates. This article begins with a brief review of the reasons for America's aging prison population. Thereafter, it uses a multidisciplinary literature review to clarify a 4-point rationale for age-segregated prisons: (a) cost savings via centralized health care for older prisoners; (b) the reduction of civil liabilities for correctional systems that centralize disability services as per requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; (c) the advancement of prisoner safety for older inmates; and (d) the promotion of rehabilitation by advancing treatment opportunities with a group that is most likely to desist from future criminal activity (in part) due to age-related desistance from crime. Conclusions focus on age segregation within the historical context of segregation in prison based on sociodemographic characteristics.

Prisons should mirror society: the debate on age-segregated housing for older prisoners

“…In contrast to other studies, the present study found that violence against older prisoners did not appear to be a critical reason in support of segregated living situations. Victimisation of older prisoners who are deemed more vulnerable has been one of the key reasons put forth for segregated prisons (Adams 1995; Kerbs and Jolley 2007, 2009; Trotter and Baidawi 2015). There could be several reasons for the lack of support for this concern in our sample, including the prison culture and population.…”

“…Similar arrangements are also available in the United Kingdom (Howse 2003) and in Switzerland, two prison facilities have a geriatric wing. The debate on age-segregation within prisons, not surprisingly, is US dominated (Aday 2003; Kerbs and Jolley 2009; Kerbs, Jolley and Kanaboshi 2015).…”

“…In addition to protecting them from abuse, these specialised facilities would allow the streamlining of services for older prisoners (Adams 1995; Trotter and Baidawi 2015; Yates and Gillespie 2000). Kerbs and Jolley (2009) stated that such facilities would ensure cost savings, reduce liability and enable tailored rehabilitation programmes. They may provide older prisoners the opportunity to build friendships as well as reduce loneliness (Adams 1995; Yates and Gillespie 2000).…”

The determinants of individual health care expenditures in prison: evidence from Switzerland

“…These factors contribute to explaining why health care utilization has been found to be greater in prison than the general population [ 13 – 19 ]. Furthermore, developed countries are witnessing an increase in the share of elderly prisoners [ 20 , 21 ], which stems from harsher sentencing patterns with longer incarceration times [ 22 , 23 ]. Older individuals in prison naturally have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions, serious life-limiting illnesses and comorbidity rates [ 8 , 11 , 24 ].…”

Aging Prisoners: A Brief Report of Key Legal and Policy Dilemmas

“…Another key legal dilemma with regard to the appropriate legal policy toward older prisoners is whether they should be integrated or segregated from the general prison population (Kerbs & Jolley, 2009). If viewed as weak and unable to protect themselves from younger and more dangerous criminals, then segregating older prisoners makes sense (Aday & Krabill, 2006;(Stojkovic, 2007).…”