indicate these countries, along with the United States, are all grappling with nearly identical issues associated with an aging prison population. Without timely attention to the experiences of geriatric offenders, officials globally will undeniably be presented with a crisis that, in return, would negatively impact all aspects of the correctional system. Despite the fact that nations around the globe are confronted with the dilemma of managing increasingly large numbers of older offenders, prisons have been slow to respond to the social, physical, and mental health needs of this special subgroup of inmates. Although a number of countries have commissioned studies to examine and make policy recommendations, the body of knowledge available on forecasting future policies for aging prisoners remains limited (Sterns, Lax, Sed, Keohane, & Sterns, 2008.) Correctional officials are now realizing the enormity of their responsibilities for addressing age-related needs in the areas of health, safety, protection, recreation, and socialization (Aday, 2003). The primary aim of this chapter will provide a voice to aging prisoners' experiences and highlight approaches for addressing these concerns. In the process, we will identify characteristics officials use in defining older offenders, distinguish among types of elderly offenders, and discuss how various medical and mental health problems, left unaddressed, negatively affect institutional adjustment. Looking to the future, we will shed light on concerns such as major advantages of age-segregated housing, the growing need for assisted living, nursing home or hospice units-as well as the demand for compassionate release, medical parole, and community-based alternatives to incarceration. Finally, consideration will be given to examining the impact the challenges associated with managing the geriatric prison population today will have on sentencing practices in the 21st century.

Older women in prison represent a much-neglected population, and only recently have researchers begun to address the adjustment patterns of this emerging population. Using a sample of 29 female inmates over age 50 housed in a southeastern prison, this qualitative research identified how older female offenders adapt to prison life. Based on inmate narratives, the study focuses on how prison acquaintances are selected, the evolvement of a social support network characterized by perceived support, shared activities, shared conversations, and work and recreational interactions. Findings indicate that although most have family members with whom they remain in contact and have emotionally close relationships, prison friendships assist older women in coping when family members may not be readily available. Barriers that prevent inmates from providing mutual support are discussed and policy issues for responding to the social needs of women aging in prison are addressed.

This exploratory qualitative study examined the roles of religiousness in the lives of 21 older women (mean age = 63) serving life sentences in one southern state. Based on survey and focus group methodology, several themes emerged as important focal points, including early religious experiences prior to incarceration, imprisonment and religious doubt, participation in formal and informal religious activities, and use of religion in coping with stressors such as interpersonal relationships, trauma, and health statuses. Irrespective of their religious upbringing, all participants agreed that religiosity/spirituality played a key role in their ability to cope with their prison experience as well as for maintaining hope and the opportunity for release.

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