Stress and the Elderly Convict

Abstract

Forty inmates ranging in age from 63 to 80 were tested and interviewed to determine the degree to which they perceived the prison environment as stressful. They were compared on measures of anxiety, anger, and curiosity with a group of younger inmates and with a standardization group. Their responses on these measures were similar to those of the younger inmates but significantly different from those of the standardization group. The interview, designed to assess the subjects reactions to incarceration, indicated that these older inmates tend to create afacade of adjustment. This normal appearance, which results from a denial and suppression of their feelings, masks their stress and anger. This phenomenon of adjustment tends to inhibit development of programs to cope with this problem.

Lifespan Differences in the Social Networks of Prison Inmates

“…One study found that older inmates seem to have more regular contact with the outside world in the form of visits, letters, and phone calls (Gallagher, 1990) than their younger counterparts. Vega and Silverman (1988) report that 90% of the older inmates in their study had contact with relatives either by phone or through the mails, though only 43% of them received family visits. Based on incomplete research in this area, what can be inferred is that older inmates might be trying to approximate the social selectivity exhibited by older non-inmates.…”

Trauma and Stress Among Older Adults in the Criminal Justice System: A Review of the Literature with Implications for Social Work

“…Similarly, Timmerman and Emmelkamp (2001) used comparison groups to compare a mixed age group of forensic state hospital patients with prisoners on trauma, dissociation, and borderline personality disorder. Only one study by Vega and Silverman (1988) made age group comparisons between older adult and younger adult populations in prison on their experience of stress and the prison environment.…”

“…Perhaps the largest limitation is the lack of research that used older adult samples or included analyses with age group comparisons. For example, only one study made an age group comparison of older and younger adult prisoners (Vega & Silverman, 1988). Therefore, the effects of trauma on older adults in the criminal justice system remain largely inconclusive.…”

“…These consequences of trauma and stress also may not be readily recognized by others. Vega and Silverman (1988) found that older adults in prison tended to hide their stress and anger and 'fake' adjustment as a type of survival technique.…”

Fifty ‐ the new sixty? The health and social care of older prisoners

“…They create a facade of adjustment by denying and suppressing their feelings, thus masking stress and anger. Vega and Silverman (1988) found that in America as prisoners aged, the intensity of their anger-related emotions decreased and the suppression of such feelings increased. Fazel et al (2001) found including: lack of preventative healthcare and screening; medication being stopped upon imprisonment; failure to recognise incontinence; and a lack of palliative care.…”