Since 1991, the International Day of Older Persons is observed on 1 October each year, as a way of reminding us to consider the plight of  people aged 60 years and older. Global ageing is an irrevocable global trend, with projections that by 2050 the world’s older population will reach 1.6 billion.

In South Africa, approximately 6.1 million people are 60 years and older. Of these, 73% rely on the Older Persons Grant to sustain their livelihood. Older persons, along with women and children, are amongst the most vulnerable people in society. Elder abuse, especially financial abuse, and exposure to numerous forms of crime causing harm, is a daily reality for South African older persons, who often stay in extended households where they become victims of abuse by their own family and even community members.

However, the sad reality is that older persons may also commit crimes and end up in prison. Imprisoned older people are an especially vulnerable group often forgotten by the general population.

Internationally, the population of older persons in prisons is growing. In fact, this ‘greying offender’ population is the fastest-growing prison cohort. It is estimated that by 2030 more than one third of the global prison population will consist of older inmates (50 years and older). In South Africa, the number of incarcerated older persons is unknown, as the Department of Correctional Services does not release such statistics.

Our research among older male offenders in Gauteng has shown that older persons are serving sentences for sexual offences, violent crimes (e.g., assault, murder, and robbery), and economic crimes (e.g., fraud and embezzlement). Older male offenders are vulnerable to victimisation, such as theft of property, and verbal and physical assault. Sexual assault, often by younger inmates, is underreported.

An older male inmate advised that “[al]ready during admission, the elderly should be treated differently, as we are not ‘prison-wise’, and adjustment is very difficult”. Older inmates also experience other challenges in prison, such as standing in line for meals, climbing stairs, and getting on and off a bunker bed. Physical decline and medical conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, diabetes, hypertension and prostate problems during old age make these realities a daily and painful experience for older inmates.

Some end up considering self-death. As one of our participants said: “If I had a rope, I would have hanged myself.” Offenders who are serving a life sentence often shared their fear of dying in prison. Illuminating this fear is the quote, “I don’t want to be buried by the state; my wife and kids must know where I am buried.”

South Africa is known for its Bill of Rights, which protects the rights of every person living in the country. Older offenders must equally enjoy these rights. Aligned with the United Nations’ Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030, we must “change how we think, feel and act towards age and ageing” and “deliver person-centred integrated care … to older people”, including those who are imprisoned.

We call upon society to reach out to older offenders, especially during October. Practical ways to ease the burden of older offenders and promote their human rights include:

• Visiting an older offender at your nearest prison and providing a care package with toiletries and something sweet.
• Churches can reach out and create support groups for older persons, empowering them to cope during incarceration and attending to their spiritual needs.
• Older inmates are often too frail to participate in vocational training. Hence, consider visiting older persons and playing traditional games, building puzzles, doing crosswords or sudoku – whatever they are interested in.

As contact with family members may be compromised, these practical ideas may enable older persons to age with grace in prison. Nonetheless, family visits and calls to mend broken relationships remain important. Do not resist – take their calls.

In the spirit of ubuntu, let us reach out to older persons this October. Let us cherish them for their contribution to society and cushion them from the hardship of poverty and harms. Older offenders are the forgotten ones. Let us promote their human rights.

After all, who are we to judge?

By Dr Karen Booyens, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, and Professor Stephan Geyer of the Department of Social Work and Criminology, University of Pretoria.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Pretoria.