The proportion and number of prison inmates over age 50 is increasing significantly.  In 2002, 8.2% of prison inmates (113,358) were age 50 or older, compared to 4% (33,499) in 1990.  By 2011, Florida expects 14% of their state prison inmates to be in that age group.  One study found that the prison costs for inmates over the age of 60 were more than three times the costs for younger inmates (primarily due to health care expenses).

Implications for Corrections

Increasing numbers of elderly inmates present health care and safety challenges for prisons and jails.  Older inmates require additional health care, services that are experiencing dramatic cost increases.  State prison health care costs were estimated at $3.7 billion in 2003, a 42% increase from the previous year.  A survey in 2001 showed that 16 states had established special housing units or separate facilities for older prison inmates.  Some jurisdictions are exploring ways to release elderly inmates from prison.

Information Sources:

Aging Prisoners:  Crisis in American Corrections

Aging Inmates Push Up Cost of Medical Care

To Cut Prison Bill, States Tweak Laws, Try Early Release

Correctional Health Care

 Read more about corrections trends.