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The health burdens of segregation for older incarcerated adults

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  • Novisky, Meghan A.
  • Prost, Stephanie Grace

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 curtailing 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 essential.

Suggested Citation

  • Novisky, Meghan A. & Prost, Stephanie Grace, 2025. "The health burdens of segregation for older incarcerated adults," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 99(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcjust:v:99:y:2025:i:c:s004723522500128x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2025.102479
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kaba, F. & Lewis, A. & Glowa-Kollisch, S. & Hadler, J. & Lee, D. & Alper, H. & Selling, D. & MacDonald, R. & Solimo, A. & Parsons, A. & Venters, H., 2014. "Solitary confinement and risk of self-harm among jail inmates," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(3), pages 442-447.
    2. Williams, B.A., 2016. "Older prisoners and the physical health effects of solitary confinement," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 106(12), pages 2126-2127.
    3. Wright, Kevin A. & Young, Jacob T.N. & Matekel, Caitlin G. & Infante, Arynn A. & Gifford, Faith E. & Meyers, Travis J. & Morse, Stephanie J., 2023. "Solitary confinement and the well-being of people in prison," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 335(C).
    4. Novisky, Meghan A. & Narvey, Chelsey S. & Prost, Stephanie Grace, 2022. "Older Adults' perspectives on death and dying in prison," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
    5. Meghan A Novisky & Kathryn M Nowotny & Dylan B Jackson & Alexander Testa & Michael G Vaughn, 2021. "Incarceration as a Fundamental Social Cause of Health Inequalities: Jails, Prisons and Vulnerability to COVID-19 [‘Flattening the Curve for Incarcerated Populations—Covid-19 in Jails and Prisons’]," The British Journal of Criminology, Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, vol. 61(6), pages 1630-1646.
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