Aging in Place in Prison: The Naturally Occurring Prison Community

Background

It is the purpose of this study to explore the lived experiences of adults 55 and older who are currently incarcerated at four Prisons located in Central Pennsylvania.  The theoretical frame work (established by the primary investigator) which is the Naturally Occurring Prison Community was built upon Hunt’s (1968) Naturally Occurring Retirement Community theory; which examined the lived experiences of individuals who have grown old in the same “community” they have resided in for many years.

The  population of individuals fifty five and older who are incarcerated is steadily increasing (“Managing Prison Healthcare Spending”, 2013), some of whom have experienced many years of recidivism and are aging while inside the penal system or in other words aging in place in prison.  It is the intention of the researchers to ascertain these individuals’ perceptions of aging as well as their view on both their mental and physical health conditions. 

 

Methods:

Data was collected utilizing a survey designed by the primary investigator; the survey tool was both qualitative and quantitative in nature, thus making this a mixed method study. Upon attaining IRB approval from both Shippensburg University (located in Central Pennsylvania)   and Pennsylvania Department of Corrections; flyers were sent to the Directors of four area prisons in an attempt to recruit participants. A convenience sample of inmates, both male and were recruited (N=91) with 43 participants being male, 48 being female and one not identifying his/her gender. The inclusion criterion for participation was determined by age, all participants must be fifty five years (55) and older and must have been incarcerated for more than five years.  50.0% reported being between the ages of 55-59; 40.0% 60-69; 6.6% 70-79 and 1.1% 80-89

Results:

The data obtained revealed ninety three percent (93%) reported some type of medical problem and  twenty seven percent (27%) reported having a psychiatric diagnosis even prior to incarceration. There is a negative correlation between the age of first incarceration and number of years incarcerated over all. Several reasons for incarceration were reported with the female participants reporting physical and sexual abuse which led to homicide as opposed to their male counterpart.  Both male and female inmates regrets life choices and have expressed fear of growing old in prison; many of whom believe the prison is not equipped to meet the needs of inmates who are growing old.

 

 

 

 

Implication:

The findings revealed there is a gap in knowledge as it pertains to individuals aging in place in prison. With specific emphasis on their unique needs and challenges faced. Further studies could examined some of the key themes revealed from the qualitative data.  Responses revealed that many older inmates are cognizant of the fact that they most likely will die in prison and have expressed fear of not dying, but dying alone. The value the “familial” relationships established and feel compelled to care for their peers who are terminally ill.