The UK has an ageing population (United Nations, 2007). In parallel, people aged
60 and over are now the fastest-growing age group in the England and Wales
prison estate (Department of Health, 2007). There is currently no existing national
policy for the management and care of older prisoners. The cost of healthcare is
significantly higher for older prisoners than their younger counterparts and studies
have suggested that older prisoners have different healthcare needs to younger
prisoners. Hayes (2010) found that depression was the major mental illness
affecting older prisoners, and that those aged 50-59 had even higher rates than
those aged 60 and over (48% vs 26%).