A human rights assessment of menopausal women's access to age- and gender-sensitive nondiscriminatory health care in prison

Linkages between incarceration and health for older adults

The aging population in United States (US) correctional facilities has grown dramatically over the last several decades. At present, roughly one in four adults incarcerated in US prisons are at least 50 years of age. Research over the last ten years has likewise expanded to catalog the impacts of incarceration on older adults, and the myriad ways incarceration is unique for this population. In this paper, we summarize the state of the literature at the intersection of incarceration, health, and aging. We begin by outlining the impacts of incarceration on a range of individual health outcomes for older adults. Next, we offer targeted policy implications to address the health consequences of incarceration for older adults. Finally, we conclude by offering a research agenda that emphasizes theory building, jail-based approaches, and expansion of what is known about older women, cognitive impairment, correctional staff perspectives, and interventions to enhance the health of older persons who are incarcerated.

Older women in the criminal justice system: a brief report from a nominal group

There are increasing numbers of older women in prison in England and Wales. The needs of older women in prison have been under researched and are often unmet. This paper explores staff and expert perspectives on the needs of older women in prison through a nominal group attended by six participants, including a consultant at the UK Health Security Agency; a General Practitioner; a postgraduate student completing a project on older women in prison; an academic researcher with expertise on older women in prison; a National Women's Health, Social Care, and Environment Review Group lead; and a HMMPS Diversity and Inclusion Lead. Six key themes were identified: 1) health screening; 2) health services and unmet health needs; 3) emotional wellbeing; 4) social and family connections; 5) the need for a professional's forum; and 6) limited data and research. Participants agreed that this population's needs are not adequately met. Moving forward, structures must be put in place to ensure that older women's needs are understood and met, and their voices heard.