Transitions Among Justice-Involved Older Adults: A Scoping Review

The incarcerated population is rapidly aging. Transitions into, out of, and between prisons are common among justice-involved older adults, yet transition experiences remain poorly understood. The purpose of the current scoping review was to examine literature on transitions into, out of, and between prisons experienced by justice-involved older adults.

We conducted a scoping review to understand the current state of the literature. Databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO.

Nineteen studies were eligible for inclusion. Most examined transitions out of prison. Factors influencing transitions into and out of prison include individual vulnerability, family structure, and adjustment and coping. Studies also found that transitions into prison can influence transitions out of prison. No studies examined transitions between prisons.

Multiple factors influence justice-involved older adults' transitions that could be targeted by correctional and community-based nursing interventions. Research should investigate the full range of transitions experienced by justice-involved older adults.