Behind the gray walls: an examination of prison visitation among older inmates

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research on prison visitation has primarily focused on the visitation experiences among the inmate population as a homogenous group, overlooking the complex experiences and needs of older inmates. Although there is extensive research on correlates and consequences of in-prison visitation, most studies have not considered differential patterns in visitation based on age, beyond the handful of studies that have assessed differences based on ‘young’ versus ‘old.’ Using data from inmates incarcerated in Florida, we explored how the trends and factors associated with in-prison visitation varied across inmate age groups. Consistent with prior research, we found that older inmates received far fewer visits than younger, although inmates who were 70 and older received more visits than inmates aged 50–69. We also identified factors that influenced whether older inmates were visited. Specifically, older Hispanic and white inmates were more likely to be visited than Black older inmates, and those housed in a facility closer to their homes were more likely to be visited. Marital status, pre-incarceration employment, and education levels did not influence visitation among older inmates. We document differences in the visitation experiences of inmates based on their age and that grouping inmates into one category may be masking important differences.