Aging Patients in Correctional Settings

Purpose of the Review: The United States (US) has the highest number of incarcerated people in the world. This incarcerated population is aging disproportionately compared with the general population. Correctional facilities need to develop geriatric competencies to respond to this aging crisis. Recent Findings: Older inmates have an increased burden of chronic medical conditions. This leads to higher healthcare utilization and costs across correctional systems. Daily symptoms, such as pain, and geriatric syndromes, such as cognitive impairment, frailty, and sensory impairment, are common but are frequently undertreated. Summary: There is a national shortage of geriatricians and minimal geriatric expertise within the correctional system. Geriatric models of care need to be embedded within correctional facilities to help patients maintain function, health, and dignity as people age within the criminal system.