Reducing Correctional Costs and Improving Lives
Florida’s elderly prison population is growing faster than the national average, presenting significant challenges and opportunities. This report explores solutions to address the unique needs of aging inmates while reducing correctional costs and improving outcomes for Floridians.
Key Insights
The Aging Prison Population
- Cost Implications: Housing elderly inmates costs roughly twice as much as younger adults due to increased medical and prescription needs.
- Premature Aging: Many incarcerated individuals over 50 exhibit accelerated biological aging due to prior socioeconomic and health challenges.
- Recidivism Trends: Individuals aged 60+ have the lowest recidivism rates, with only 15.8% reoffending within three years of release.
Current Gaps
- Limited elderly-specific reentry programs.
- No rigorously evaluated digital literacy or transitional services for older inmates.
- Lack of geriatric release policies to address low-risk elderly offenders.
Proposed Solutions
- Digital Literacy Education
- Pilot programs modeled after successful retirement community initiatives.
- Expected to reduce recidivism by improving post-release skills.
- Transitional Services
- Programs to assist with Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, and housing access.
- Modeled after successful initiatives like California’s Senior Ex-Offender Program.
- Geriatric Release
- Conditional release programs for elderly inmates to reduce correctional costs and improve access to community healthcare.
Potential Benefits
- Lower recidivism rates and improved public safety.
- Significant cost savings through reduced incarceration expenses.
- Better quality of life for elderly individuals reintegrating into society.