U.S. flag
        An official website of the United States government
          Here's how you know
        Here's how you knowDot gov**Official websites use .gov**
              
              A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
        Https**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
              
              A **lock** (   A locked padlock
 ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.  **
Menu


    close

        
        
                        
  
          Home
      
    
              How NIC can help
      
                
  
          **I need Training or Courses**
               Free e-courses available 24/7
              
      
                
  
          NIC Training Programs
          In-person and blended trainings
      
    
              I need Technical Assistance
          Guidance, support, advice, assessment, and/or customized training
      
    
              I'm looking for Information Assistance
          NIC publications, DVDs, FAQs, and more
      
    
              **I need other assistance from NIC**
              
      
                
  
          NIC Helpdesk
      
    
              Connect with other Corrections Professionals
          NIC Community Forums
      
    
              Funding Opportunities
          Cooperative Agreements and more
      
    
              Resources
      
                
  
          **News and Events**
              
      
                
  
          Conferences
      
    
              NIC Events
      
    
              NIC News & Media Releases
      
    
              Subscribe to NIC's News & Announcements
          Emails with NIC's latest news and initiatives
      
    
              NIC Quarterly Newsletter Archive
      
    
              **Featured Resources**
              
      
                
  
          Resources for Corrections Professionals
          Resources about correctional topics
      
    
              Topics
          Focused areas of research for Corrections Professionals
      
    
              NIC's e-courses
      
    
              Hot Topics
          Answers to questions about NIC services & resources
      
    
              FAQs
          Frequently Asked Questions
      
    
              **NIC Library**
              
      
                
  
          Search the Library Collection
      
    
              Ask a Librarian
      
    
              Free eBooks
      
    
              Sign in to the EBSCOhost Research Platform
          Free research resources provided by NIC
      
    
              Webinars and Broadcasts
          Streaming Video of NIC Trainings
      
    
              US State Statistics
          Statistics Information about US Corrections
      
    
              About NIC
      
                
  
          **About the Agency**
              
      
                
  
          Mission
      
    
              Staff Directory
      
    
              Reports to the Nation
      
    
              Funding Opportunities
      
    
              History of NIC
      
    
              Advisory Board
      
    
              **Divisions**
              
      
                
  
          Academy Division
      
    
              Community Services Division
      
    
              Jails Division
      
    
              Prisons Division
      
    
              **Strategic Plan**
              
      
                
  
          Subscribe to NIC's News & Announcements
          Emails with NIC's latest news and initiativesMy Cart
                                
                          
        
                Log in Home
                                    Supporting America’s Aging Prisoner Population: Opportunities & Challenges For Area Agencies On Aging

      

                    
          
    Supporting America’s Aging Prisoner Population: Opportunities & Challenges for Area Agencies on Aging
https://www.usaging.org/Files/n4a_AgingPrisoners_23Feb2017REV (2).pdf
  
            America’s prison population is aging rapidly. Between 2007 and 2010 the number of state and federal prisoners age 65 and older grew at a rate 94 times the overall prison population, making it the fastest growing demographic. The increase can be attributed to a variety of factors including the aging of the overall U.S. population, longer prison terms due to factors such as mandatory sentencing, and an increase in the number of older people committing crimes.The result is the criminal justice system, which has been traditionally focused on serving a younger inmate population, now houses an older population, many of whom have chronic health conditions or physical disabilities and may need assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and other aspects of personal care. The impact of the incarceration of older prisoners is not confined to their prison term. Older prisoners, once released, experience unique challenges. They may lack social support after long-term imprisonment, which, combined with physical health issues or chronic diseases, results in a need for increased social services support. Some older prisoners being released may need residential support in assisted living or nursing homes, although placement of this population can present challenges. They may also have outdated job skills which drives financial instability by hindering employment opportunities.They may also experience challenges accessing public benefits and services due to factors such as lack of current photo identification or state laws barring participation in certain benefit programs (e.g., the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The challenges and opportunities associated with the burgeoning U.S. aging prisoner population have gained more attention in recent years with increases in research and media coverage. With funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL), this report examines trends in the U.S. aging prison population and focuses on the role of the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in helping to address the needs of this population.
      Categories and Services
  Tags
    Aging/elderly incarcerated individuals
                   Notice about external resources
    These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. NIC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content. Return to top

      About NIC

About the Agency
	Divisions
	Staff Directory
	Contact NIC

NIC Services

Training
	Technical Assistance
	Corrections Forums
	Subscribe to NIC News

Resources

Resources by Role
	Resources by Topic
	NIC News
	NIC Events
  
      Agency logo
              
                              National Institute of Corrections
        
                  NIC Legal Policies and DisclaimersNIC Privacy Policy and DisclaimersPlain Language PolicyAccessibility PolicyDOJ Links:Justice.govOpen GovernmentLegal Policies and DisclaimersInformation QualityPrivacy PolicySmall BusinessOffice of the Inspector GeneralBudget and PerformanceFOIANo FEAR Act DataVulnerability Disclosure PolicyVote.govHave a question about government services? Contact USA.govFollow NIC on X
the National institute of corrections governmental seal