One reason for the growth in the elderly inmate population is the long time served in prison by a growing number of prisoners, reflecting both lengthy sentences imposed for a large variety of crimes in recent decades and diminished opportunities for release prior to expiration of the sentence.

Why is there a rise in older inmates?

Reuters visited two California prisons recently to look at the challenges states face, as improved medical care, long sentences from tougher crime laws, and a steady increase of older adults entering prison has contributed to an extraordinary rise of elderly inmates.

Why has the incarceration rate increased?

A 2014 report by the National Research Council identified two main causes of the increase in the United States’ incarceration rate over the previous 40 years: longer prison sentences and increases in the likelihood of imprisonment.

How has the age of offenders changed?

Between 1993 and 2003, the majority of the growth occurred among prisoners ages 40 to 54, while the number of those age 55 or older increased faster from 2003 to 2013. The changing age structure in the U.S. state prison population has implications for the future management and care of inmates.

What challenges do elderly inmates pose for correctional institutions?

Plagued by paranoia, confusion, and memory loss, some elderly inmates will attack staff and fellow prisoners; a few cannot even recall their crimes. Some states are finding innovate ways of dealing with the growing number of prisoners with dementia.

What factors explain the rise of mass incarceration in the United States?

Although the war on drugs had sparked the significant incline of mass incarceration, there are three factors that sustain its impact: 1) over-policing in redlined and marginalized communities, 2) longer sentencing for minor crimes, and 3) endless restrictions after being released.

What factors influence incarceration rates?

1. The number of offenders convicted and committed to prison terms; 2. The length of time they serve in prison; and 3. The rate of released prisoners who re-offend and are sent back to prison.

What is one reason for the increased number of prisoners in the US since the 1970s?

The number of US prisoners exploded after the 1970s In response to a tide of higher crime over the preceding decade, state and federal lawmakers passed measures that increased the length of prison sentences for all sorts of crimes, from drugs to murder.

What are the challenges of a steadily growing elderly inmate population?

Older adults in prison often exhibit physical and mental health problems, including dementia, and histories of trauma and chronic stress. Over 3,000 of these men and women will die each year in prison.

How does age affect sentencing?

Age tends to be a mitigating factor in cases in which offenders are particularly elderly or young. Due to their advanced or minor age, such offenders typically receive lighter sentences.

What age group is the fastest growing group in prisons?

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, people 55+ are now the fastest growing age group in the U.S. prison population. While the total rate of imprisonment has been going down since 2003, the rate for those 45 or older has been increasing steadily.

What factors have contributed to the increase in the number of aging offenders in prisons?

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.

Who is the oldest living prisoner?

What is this? Although Francis Clifford Smith is currently the oldest living prisoner still in jail, not much public information about the man exist. Smith is serving a life sentence at the Osborn Correctional Institution for murdering a nightwatchman named Grover Hart on July 23, 1949.