Older Prisoners’ Experiences of Death, Dying and Grief Behind Bars

Abstract

AbstractPrison populations are experiencing rapid increases and many more offenders are dying in prison. This article draws on research that was conducted by the authors in the US and in England and Wales. The study interrogates the meanings older prisoners give to the prospect of dying in prison. The themes identified during data analysis included general thoughts about death and dying, accounts of other prisoners' deaths, availability of end‐of‐life services, contact with social relations, and wishes to die outside of prison.