Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice Older prisoners—A challenge for Australian corrections Susan Baidawi, Shelley Turner, Christopher Trotter, Colette Browning, Paul Collier, Daniel O’Connor and Rosemary Sheehan Definition of older prisoners Historical data indicate that the number of older people in Australian prisons is increasing (ABS 2010b). Researchers, policymakers and corrections administrators have yet to reach a consensus as to what constitutes an ‘older offender’ and definitions vary substantially, ranging from 45 years and above to 65 years and above (eg Stojkovic 2007; Yorston & Taylor 2006). The issue of definition is essential for comparative research and a lack of consensus can impede the development of a sound evidence base concerning older prisoners and related issues, such as offence types, recidivism rates, health concerns and prison management issues. Heckenberg (2006) suggests that any functional definition must also avoid bundling ‘older prisoners’ together as a homogenous group and in doing so, neglecting individual characteristics and needs. Despite the variability of definition, many writers and researchers have adopted a functional definition of ‘older prisoners’ as being those who are 50 years of age and over (Kerbs & Jolley 2007; Stojkovic 2007). The utilisation of 50 years and older as an appropriate gauge for ‘old age’ in prison is based on research findings that identified ‘…an apparent 10-year differential between the overall health of prisoners and that of the general population’ (Grant 1999: 1). The acceleration of the ageing process among prisoners is generally attributed to a combination of the lifestyle of offenders prior to entering prison (including poor nutrition, substance misuse and a lack of medical care) and the understanding that prison environments may escalate age-related illnesses and conditions (Carlisle 2006; HMIP 2004; Stojkovic 2007; UNODC 2009). A further advantage of adopting this definition of ageing in the Australian context is that it allows for the inclusion of data concerning both female and Indigenous prisoners—two groups of offenders who are generally younger than the mainstream prison population (ABS 2010b). No. 426 August 2011 Foreword | Corrections statistics in Australia indicate a clear trend towards increased numbers of older prisoners and the growth of this inmate group is paralleled in prisons in the United States, United Kingdom and New Zealand. Older prisoner populations present a number of challenges for governments, correctional administrators, healthcare providers and community agencies. This paper looks at the issue of defining the older prisoner and explores the rise in older inmate populations throughout Australia—both at the national level and across the states and territories. The concerns pertaining to the management of older prisoners are examined, including the costs of responding to rising healthcare needs, as well as issues surrounding accommodation and correctional programs for older prisoners. Various solutions and strategies that have been adopted internationally in various correctional settings are also discussed, including the establishment of special needs units for older prisoners and the employment of specialist staff. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of the rise in older prisoner numbers for corrections policymakers and researchers in the Australian context. Adam Tomison Director