Aging Female Inmates

Abstract

Aging female inmates represent a special needs population which has not been fully recognized in research endeavors and gender‐specific policies. Despite having complex biopsychosocial needs, their small numeric representation has left them “the forgotten minority” by policy makers, prison administrators, security personnel, clinicians, researchers, and the community. As a much maligned and vulnerable population, prolonged exposure to stressful conditions of prison hinder the ability to successfully adjust to prison life. With high rates of mental and physical health conditions, older incarcerated women have difficulty with the physical constraints of prison, separation from families and children, and end of life issues related to a rapid decline in health status.