Older incarcerated individuals comprise the fastest-growing demographic in prison systems in the United States and Europe (Canada et al., 2019). These figures are expected to increase, given the aging of the general population, the issuing of longer sentences, and the reduction of parole and early release policies (Fellner & Vinck, 2012). Older prisoners are often deemed a marginalized population characterized by poverty, life-long abuse, and limited access to education and occupational opportunities. At old age, these components intersect with ageism, as well as with physical, psychological, and social aging-related processes. Most of the literature emphasized the challenges and barriers old prisoners encounter as they aspire to integrate into prison life. These studies often pinpointed experiences of loss, hardship, as well as physical and emotional pain. Only a paucity of research revealed a more favorable side to aging in prison. The present study explored experiences of well-being while aging in confinement. An interpretive phenomenological perspective was taken to analyze the narratives of eighteen older prisoners. The narratives revealed four themes: 'Like all other older men': Comparing aging in prison to aging within the community; 'Better than what I have outside': Prison as an escape from a life of loneliness, poverty, and delinquency; 'Here I get some respect': The older prisoner as a mentor; and 'I feel accomplished': Experiences of growth and self-discovery.
The findings suggested that aging in prison may facilitate positive changes in the lives of aging offenders in prison.

Authors:
Hila Avieli, Ariel University, Israel

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Hila Avieli is a researcher and a senior lecturer in the Department of Criminology at Ariel University, Israel, and a research affiliate at the Center on Violence and Recovery at New York University.

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