Book Review: Prison life in popular culture: From the big house to orange is the new black

DOI10.1177/0734016816637644
Date01 June 2019
Published date01 June 2019
Subject MatterBook Reviews
CJR556290 244..248 Book Reviews
245
in the chapter, however, is paid to the overall health challenges inmates face. Age considerations are
notably prevalent when considering chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The chapter
concludes by describing various strategies to temper health care costs, though many of the proposi-
tions would benefit health care costs for all offenders. Chapter 5 considers mental health challenges
during imprisonment, noting high rates of diagnosed and reported mental illness among prison popu-
lations. Hurley more specifically examines age and mental health, particularly highlighting the pro-
gression of mental illness during a long term of incarceration. Much attention is paid to suicide risk
and the relationship to mental illness, health issues, and institutional context. Chapter 6 examines
victimization, a final aging prison population concern. Victimization can exaggerate both physical
and mental health disorders, and Hurley provides a justification for the potential victimization risk of
elderly inmates, resultant from higher physical and possible mental vulnerability. In particular, the
risk of victimization is highlighted when considering the age–crime relationship with pedophilia and
the heightened risk of victimization within prison settings. The general consequences associated
with risk, particularly in light of other health challenges, are an important consideration for prison
programming and management strategies.
Hurley concludes by using the final two chapters to examine possible policies and programs that
could be adopted to address the specific needs of the elderly. Highlighting possible shifts in senten-
cing and release strategies, given the low rate of recidivism of elderly offenders is a particular con-
tribution. Hurley considers the ‘‘do nothing’’ argument, referencing ‘‘just deserts’’ and that age and
the costs associated with it do not justify leniency. However, the chapter concludes by offering snap-
shots of implemented programs across the United States that would benefit the management and care
of elderly offenders. Specifically, the programs address the acute needs of the elderly populations,
such as Hospice and segregated living conditions. Chapter 8 summarizes the basic needs and costs of
elderly offenders, while...

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