Abstract: The literature on older inmates’ health is fragmented and
insufficiently developed. In this integrative review, 21 research articles on
health and older inmates were identified, critiqued, and synthesized to
determine: the minimum age criterion most commonly used; health-related
variables explored; health status; the health impact of incarceration; and
aging-specific policies, programs, and facilities. Age 50 and older was used
most often. The top three health variables were psychiatric conditions,
physical illnesses, and substance abuse. Self-reports of health status varied
across studies; however, inmates consistently reported health declines since
incarceration. Older inmates’ health needs appear often to be left unmet.
Nursing investigations are needed leading to practice innovations to enhance
prisoners’ self-management to reduce disease burden and fiscal and societal
costs. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 29:556–565, 2006