Elderly Jail Inmates

Problems, Prevalence and Public Health

Abstract

Increases in the size of the elderly population in jails and prisons have created considerable challenges for health-care practitioners within correctional systems and public health agencies. This study examined the prevalence of elderly inmates in 134 county jails and some of the challenges that these older inmates confront. Our findings indicate that the prevalence of elderly inmates in county jails is higher than reported in recent national studies. Further, these populations were thought to be at high-risk for selfharm, suicide, and victimization by other inmates. Implications for health care within county jails as well as public health approaches to solving challenges associated with elderly jail inmates are addressed.