| In the last two decades, the growth in the number of elderly offenders age 50 and older has been significant. Between 1994 and 2011, those falling within this category increased by 330%; they are currently the fastest growing age group in the federal correctional system. A successful transition from prison to community is a formidable undertaking for elderly ex-offenders. Despite their growing numbers, there is a paucity of studies on their reentry experiences. The available literature neglects the lived experiences of elderly ex-offenders reintegrating into their communities, focusing primarily on their younger counterparts. This study examined the reentry experiences of elderly ex-offenders residing in New York State in the geographical areas of Queens, Brooklyn, New York City, Bronx and Long island, who were released from a state or federal correctional facility at age 50 or older with a minimum of one-year post incarceration time.;The primary data source for this qualitative study was audio-taped face-to-face interviews with 26 elderly ex-offenders. A semi-structured interview protocol inquiring about their experiences in the areas of housing and employment acquisition, physical health maintenance, substance and mental health treatment and family reunification was used to expound their perspectives.;Using thematic analysis, eight superordinate themes were identified; 1) finding a place to live, 2) the world of employment, 3) rejoining the family, 4) taking care of the body, 5) taking care of the mind, 6) learning to live without drugs 7) reclaiming my life and 8) I wasted my life. Theoretical constructs derived from Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development (1963), Ervin Goffman's (1963) social theory of stigma, and Henri Tajfel's (1979) social identity theory are used to explain study participants' perception of their experiences.;The findings suggests a general feeling of despair over lost opportunities and a life wasted to crime among majority of subjects; the need for pre-release planning specific to the needs of elderly ex-offenders; that locating permanent housing ranks high among the barriers they face; that there is a general unwillingness to admit to mental health issues and to utilize mental health services, that there are significant challenges to finding employment and that participants do not identify as elderly.;The findings have important implications for policy change in pre-release preparation and reentry programs as they relate to elderly ex-offenders. Recommendations for future research are discussed. |
