NCJ Number
199343
Journal
Forum on Corrections Research Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 15-19
Date Published
May 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the increasing age of offenders incarcerated by the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC).
Abstract
Increasing age of incarcerated offenders is associated with a deterioration of health and an increased need for medical services. Many offenders prematurely deteriorate as a result of substance abuse and poor dental hygiene. The increasing demand for medical services to meet the needs of the aging offender population will exert pressure on already limited resources. Older offenders have multiple health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and cancer. Older and younger offenders’ health needs were compared using information from the Offender Intake Assessment (OIA), which provides a global indicator of health problems. Of the older offenders, 54 percent had identified physical health as a problem at the time of admission compared to less than one quarter of the younger offenders. Poor diet was also more likely to be identified as a problem for older offenders. There was no difference in reported dental problems between older and younger offenders. Studies that have examined the prevalence rates of mental health problems among older offenders are mixed. Overall, older offenders were less likely to be stressed than younger offenders were. The overall level of depression was somewhat higher for the younger offenders compared to that of the older offenders. Offenders in the 55 to 59 age groups may be at higher risk for committing suicide than other older offenders. Overall, there is not sufficient data to suggest that older offenders are at higher risk for suicide. Health care problems of older offenders can lead to expense in constant supervision, interventions, and treatment programs. Wellness programs need to be incorporated into prison life. These could lead to prevention of serious physical health problems or help in the rehabilitation from serious health conditions. 6 tables, 23 notes