Older prisoners, gender and family life

Abstract

This chapter will consider the impact of ageing on the prison population and will include discussion of the needs of older prisoners. Attention will be given to the problems older prisoners negotiate the problem of maintaining family bonds and to the specific problems faced by older women prisoners. The reasons for the increase in the number of older prisoners will be discussed and the particular problems they face will be highlighted, including their isolation and their health and social care issues. It will be argued that because the penal system in England and Wales is primarily designed for younger male prisoners, the needs of older prisoners have been marginalized and a specific policy for older prisoners is needed.