The U.S. correctional system and the older prisoner

Although older prisoners may seem an unlikely article topic, the reality is that the likelihood of health care providers encountering a prisoner who has been released is high. In addition, men age 50 and older are the fastest growing age cohort in prisons. Older prisoners consume disproportional health care resources of correctional institutions. Long histories of no medical care, alcohol and substance abuse, and poor diet contribute to a 10- to 11.5-year addition to chronological age and contribute to the risk for chronic conditions, which are prevalent, often lead to functional impairments, and require careful and deliberate management strategies. This is, however, not that different from the "free world," where chronic illnesses account for the greatest cost burden and disability in the United States. Consequently, health care providers need an understanding of the challenges faced by this vulnerable population, as well as issues related to the graying of American prisoners.