Wrinkles and punishment

The body of a prisoner suffers from premature ageing. A sedentary lifestyle, lack of care, poor nutrition and a poor bill of health before entering prison all play a part. A prisoner is considered elderly from the age of 50.

The elderly are the fastest growing group in the prison population.

Prison systems are not always prepared to provide the care that is needed for diabetes, senile dementia, loss of independence, incontinence, tooth loss, hearing loss, sight loss and so on. Prison is hostile for those with limited mobility or who require extra care, have partial or full hearing loss, or can’t wash or dress themselves. An elderly prisoner is a vulnerable prisoner. Their weakness exposes them to violence or extortion.

European prisoners are growing older.

The elderly make up 7% of the prison population in Russia and 30% in Bulgaria. In France, Bédenac prison has a dedicated section for elderly prisoners and those with extra needs. All have multiple serious illnesses.

Prison officers point out that their role looking after these prisoners is becoming close to carrying out medical treatments which they are not trained for. Early release on compassionate grounds is rarely granted, and it is not uncommon for those who apply for it to die while their applications are being processed.

In the United States, the prison systems are facing a “silver tsunami”. The young people imprisoned during the 1980s boom in incarceration are now over 70 and silver-haired. They will account for a third of the prison population by 2030.

In Japan, the elderly are committing minor crimes with the aim of being sent to prison. This accounts for more than 20% of arrests. These senior citizens say they prefer prison over a life of loneliness or living below the breadline. Many of them are women. One in five female prisoners are over 65.

Prisoners suffering from dementia have forgotten the reasons that lead to their prison sentence. Those who are released after decades in prison struggle to find their place in society.

They are lost and aren’t familiar with computers, smartphones or the Internet. In Europe, many hold euro banknotes for the first time, as the currency didn’t exist before they were sent to prison.