The Health Burdens of Segregation for Older Incarcerated Adults

• In Event: How Qualitative Methods can Inform Health and Healthcare in Prisons and Jails

Abstract

Older adults are a rapidly growing segment of the United States (US) prison population. This population also suffers disproportionately from chronic health conditions. Despite the growing number of older adults confined in US correctional facilities and their health risks, empirical attention has not kept pace with examining their experiences of segregation, and how experiences with segregation are related to health. Drawing on data from in-depth interviews with 28 older men housed in segregation at a super maximum security prison in the Northeastern region of the US, this research addresses the ways that segregation has the capacity to uniquely shape health and health care for older adults. Results reveal that participants’ perceptions were concentrated in three areas: (1) fears surrounding medical emergencies; (2) concerns about treatment restrictions; and (3) worry regarding unsanitary conditions. Findings underscore the importance of limiting the use of solitary confinement for older adults, particularly for long periods of time. Additional research and policy revision surrounding the health-related implications of placing older adults in segregation is needed.

Authors

• Meghan A. Novisky, University of Cincinnati

• Stephanie Grace Prost, University of Louisville