Addressing Enduring Health Impacts of Incarceration on Older Adults: A Call for Academic and Policy Reform

Citation

Kheirbek, Raya Elfadel & Latham-Mintus, Kenzie (2024). Addressing Enduring Health Impacts of Incarceration on Older Adults: A Call for Academic and Policy Reform. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. vol. 79 (8)

Abstract

The article titled “Links of Previous Incarceration with Geriatric Syndromes and Chronic Health Conditions Among Older Adults in the United States,” by Testa et al. (1) investigates the relationship between history of incarceration and the prevalence of various geriatric and chronic health issues among U.S. adults aged 50 and older. Utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, the study finds significant associations between previous incarceration and increased risks of mobility difficulties, daily living challenges, cancer, depression, and chronic lung disease, even after controlling for various covariates. The study underscores the enduring health impacts of incarceration, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions and policy adjustments to address these issues in aging of formerly incarcerated persons. The findings contribute to the understanding of incarceration as a lasting social determinant of health affecting older adults and the urgent need for federal and states advocacy for criminal justice reforms (2).

URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glae127

Keyword(s)

incarceration

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

The Journals of Gerontology: Series A

Author(s)

Kheirbek, Raya Elfadel
Latham-Mintus, Kenzie

Year Published

2024

Volume Number

79

Issue Number

8

ISSN/ISBN

1758-535X

DOI

10.1093/gerona/glae127

Reference ID

10437