Last week, I went to Cook County Jail to visit a young man who is currently being detained there. I absolutely hate that place but that is a story for another day. Anyway, as I was meeting with this young man, I noticed an older black inmate who was talking with a younger woman. This man looked to be at least 65 years old and I just felt sad.

by Billy Dee

I have previously written about the plight of elderly prisoners on this blog. Today another interesting article about this topic was published in Corrections Magazine.

The following paragraphs are the most interesting parts of the piece to me:

As of 2010, 13% of inmates in our prison system were over 55 years old.(1) This number is predicted to increase between four and seven times in the next 20 years, becoming the fastest growing prisoner age group.(2) By 2030, it is estimated that 1/3 of the entire US prison population – currently estimated at 1.6M – will be 55 years or older.(2)

In addition, studies have found incarceration accelerates the aging process by an average of 11.5 years.(3) Compared to younger prisoners; older inmates have higher rates of mild and serious health conditions. Due to deteriorating health, aging inmates have special needs. These needs range from medication and special diets to round the clock nursing, driving costs of managing an elderly prisoner to an estimated $70,000 annually – this is 3x the cost of regular inmates.(4)

These are staggering numbers.

Note: The illustration in this post is from a new zine called “the PIC Is” which can be downloaded for free here.

• 

  By Elmo, May 22, 2011 @ 11:00 pm

  http://ackermangruber.com/portfolios/served-out-aging-and-dying-behind-bars

  I seen many in Federal prisons across this Nation. Including the Blind, Elderly, and mentally challenged. Also 10% of the population are Vets that served our country. Please Keep fighting for these new slaves in our society.

Other Links to this Post