Double Space Pages About Elderly In Prison Works Cited
15 Double Space Pagesmlatopic Elderly In Prisonworks Citedhorwitz Sar
Assignment Instructions
Create a 15-page double-spaced research paper on the topic "Elderly in Prison." Include a Works Cited page with at least five credible sources, such as journal articles, reputable news outlets, or government reports, formatted in MLA style. The paper should explore issues faced by elderly inmates, trends in incarceration of seniors, associated costs, health concerns, rehabilitation challenges, and societal implications. Use in-text citations to support your discussion and ensure proper MLA formatting throughout.
Paper For Above instruction
The phenomenon of aging within the prison system presents a multifaceted challenge, encompassing issues of health, financial costs, rehabilitation, and societal punishment policies. Over the past few decades, the incarcerated elderly population has grown significantly, prompting policymakers, correctional facilities, and civil rights advocates to reconsider traditional approaches to aging offenders. This paper explores the various aspects of elderly incarceration, analyzing the causes behind the rise, the specific needs of elderly inmates, and the broader societal implications.
The increase in elderly prisoners is a consequence of several intertwined social and legal factors. Criminal justice policies, notably the "War on Drugs" and mandatory sentencing laws, have contributed to longer and more intense incarcerations. Additionally, demographic shifts mean that more individuals are aging while incarcerated, a trend that is expected to continue due to aging Baby Boomers. According to Horwitz (2015), the aging prison population faces unique health challenges, often exacerbated by inadequate healthcare resources within correctional facilities. Many elderly inmates suffer from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis, which require specialized care often unavailable behind bars. This situation not only jeopardizes their health but also raises ethical questions about the adequacy of prison healthcare systems.
Financial costs associated with elderly inmates are substantially higher than those for younger prisoners. The federal and state prison systems allocate significant resources to manage the medical needs of aging inmates, often operating at a loss due to the high cost of treatments and necessary accommodations. Johnson (2015) reports that managing the healthcare of elderly inmates is increasingly straining correctional budgets, leading to discussions about alternatives such as compassionate release programs or community-based care. These programs aim to reduce costs while respecting the dignity of aging offenders, but their implementation varies widely across jurisdictions.
The specific rehabilitation challenges faced by elderly inmates are profound. Unlike younger offenders, seniors often have limited prospects for rehabilitation due to age-related health decline and diminished adaptability. Many correctional facilities are ill-equipped for the unique needs of elderly inmates, lacking adequate medical staff, geriatric care facilities, and therapeutic programs tailored to older adults. As Maschi (2012) highlights, the focus on punitive measures often neglects the potential for rehabilitation among aging prisoners, even though some are nearing the end of their lives. The concept of restorative justice becomes complex when addressing elderly offenders, many of whom may not pose the same threats as younger individuals.
Societal implications of incarcerating a growing elderly population include issues of human rights, aging policy, and community reintegration. Critics argue that imprisoning seniors violates principles of humane treatment, especially as many are serving lengthy sentences for non-violent offenses. Moreover, the societal benefit of continued incarceration diminishes as inmates age, with many nearing the end of their lives and having minimal prospects for reintegration or rehabilitation. The case for compassionate release is thus gaining traction, as it aligns with broader goals of humane treatment, cost reduction, and ethical responsibility. However, legal barriers and public perceptions often hinder the adoption of such measures.
In conclusion, the increasing incarceration of elderly individuals presents pressing challenges that require comprehensive policy responses. Addressing healthcare needs, reducing costs through alternative sentencing and release programs, and ensuring humane treatment are essential steps forward. As society grapples with these issues, a balanced approach that considers justice, compassion, and fiscal responsibility is imperative. Future research should focus on developing best practices for managing elderly inmates and reforming policies to better reflect the realities of an aging prison population.
References
Horwitz, Sari. "The Painful Price of Aging in Prison." The Washington Post, 2 May 2015, www.washingtonpost.com.
Johnson, Kevin. "Feds Struggle to Manage Growing Number of Elderly Inmates." USA Today, 6 May 2015, www.usatoday.com.
Maschi, Tina. "The Hidden Costs of Elderly Inmates." The Huffington Post, 22 May 2012, www.huffingtonpost.com.
Maschi, Tina. "The State of Aging: Prisoners and Compassionate Release Programs." The Huffington Post, 23 Oct. 2012, www.huffingtonpost.com.
"Report of the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 1945." The Prison Journal, vol. 26, 2015, pp. 228-234, www.ojp.gov.