U.S. Prisons Struggle to Care for Rapidly Aging Population Behind Bars

The U.S. prison population is rapidly aging, with the proportion of prisoners age 55+ about 5 times higher than 30 years ago. By one estimate, a third will be considered geriatric by 2030.

Prisons are struggling to provide adequate medical care and facilities for an aging population, like retrofitting cells and buildings for wheelchairs and creating specialized medical units.

Aging prisoners often suffer more in prison and age faster due to the harsh environment. "40 is the new 60" for prisoners.

Longer sentences over past decades are the root cause of why more prisoners are getting old behind bars. Some are serving life sentences from decades ago.

Releasing elderly prisoners is complicated but may be necessary to reduce costs. However, the public perception of releasing people convicted of serious crimes is a major barrier.