Elderly offenders. A study of age-related factors among custodially remanded prisoners

Among custodially remanded male prisoners from Greater London and its surrounds, in 1979-1980, nearly 3% (63 men) were aged 55 or over, about one third of these being over 65. More than 40% were detained on theft charges and few for more serious offences, although serious violence was not unknown and nearly one-fifth of those 65 or over were subsequently convicted of non-violent sexual assaults. Like their younger counterparts, less than one-fifth of those aged 55 or over appeared to be first-time offenders. About half of the men of 55 or over had active symptoms of psychiatric disorder on entering the prison and about half had some form of physical disorder, twice the rates for those under 55. Psychosis and alcoholism were the major psychiatric problems; 27% were alcoholics, to the extent of showing withdrawal symptoms on or soon after entering prison. Schizophrenia was less common than the younger age groups, but affective psychosis more so; 37% of the older men had a major functional psychosis. Two-thirds of the 55-64 age group and over three-quarters of the over 65s were without an address; most of both groups were personally isolated.