The ageing prisoner population in Australia presents significant challenges in terms of healthcare, social support, and economic burden. As the number of older adults behind bars continues to rise, there is a pressing need to address the unique needs and vulnerabilities of this demographic. This paper examines the escalating health, social, and economic costs associated with Australia's ageing prisoner population. It explores the prevalence of age-related health conditions among incarcerated individuals, the strain on healthcare systems, and the impact on social welfare programs. Additionally, it analyzes the economic implications of providing specialized care and support services for ageing prisoners. Through a comprehensive review of literature and data analysis, this study sheds light on the complexities of managing an ageing population within the criminal justice system and proposes strategies for mitigating the associated costs and challenges.

Ageing prisoner population, Healthcare costs, Social support

Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4157.0 Prisoners in Australia, 2017.

Angus C. Older prisoners: trends and challenges. Sydney: NSW Parliamentary Research Service, 2015. https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/researchpapers/Documents/older-prisoners-trends-and-challenges/Older%20prisoners%20-%20trends%20and%20challenges.pdf (viewed Aug 2018).

Stavrou E. Changing age profile of NSW offenders. Bureau Brief No. 123. Sydney: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2017. http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/Documents/BB/Report-2017-Changing-age-profile-of-NSW-offenders-BB123.pdf (viewed Aug 2018).

Hoel A, Gelb K. Sentencing matters: mandatory sentencing. Melbourne: Sentencing Advisory Council, 2008. https://www.sentencingcouncil.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/publication-documents/Mandatory%20Sentencing%20Sentencing%20Matters%20Research%20Paper.pdf (viewed Aug 2018).

Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Final report. 2017. https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/final-report (viewed Aug 2018).

Liljegren M, Naasan G, Temlett J, et al. Criminal behavior in frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer disease. JAMA Neurol 2015; 72: 295–300.

Baidawi S, Turner S, Trotter C, et al. Older prisoners – a challenge for Australian corrections. Trends and Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice 2011; 426: 1–6.

Inspector of Custodial Sentences. Old and inside: managing offenders in custody. Sydney: NSW Justice, 2015. http://www.custodialinspector.justice.nsw.gov.au/Documents/Old%20and%20inside%20Managing%20aged%20offenders%20in%20custody.pdf (viewed Aug 2018).

Nielssen OB, Stone W, Jones NM, et al. Characteristics of people attending psychiatric clinics in inner Sydney homeless hostels. Med J Aust 2018; 208: 169–173. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2018/208/4/characteristics-people-attending-psychiatric-clinics-inner-sydney-homeless.

Bushnell A. Australia's criminal justice costs: an international comparison. Melbourne: Institute of Public Affairs, 2017.