Читать книгу Pathy's Principles and Practice of Geriatric Medicine - Группа авторов - Страница 111

There has been a rapid increase in the number of incarcerated older adults, particularly in the US. Between 1995 and 2008, the number of incarcerated adults over 55 increased 278%, compared to a 53% increase in the overall jailed population. By 2030, it is estimated that one‐third of the incarcerated population in the US will be over the age of 55. Older adults in prison report poorer health status and increased rates of geriatric syndromes such as disability, falls, incontinence, and multimorbidity than those in the community, suggesting the prison environment leads to accelerated ageing.²⁹ Incarcerated older adults also experience higher rates of HIV, hepatitis, and homelessness and report higher rates of isolation and abuse.

Finding ways to implement cost‐effective, humane geriatric care for this population is an ongoing area of active research. Two‐thirds of currently incarcerated older adults are not serving life sentences and thus will experience release and re‐entry into their communities. High rates of isolation, unemployment, multimorbidity, and mental health comorbidities can add difficulty to this challenging transition. Multidisciplinary teams, including geriatric‐trained parole officers and geriatric providers familiar with incarceration‐associated health issues, may be effective in improving outcomes during these transitions.