Elderly convicts residing in Germany's senior detention facilities: an inside look at the nation's "geriatric penitentiaries"

Stepping into Senne, a Prison with a Twist

Senne prison, nestled 200 km east of Cologne, Germany, presents an unexpected sight. Aside from the direct access to the grounds, you'll notice an abundance of grey and white hair – a reflection of the aging prison population in Germany.

Just like the country outside its walls, prisons in Germany are grappling with an aging demographic. According to a 2022 study on Social Care for Older People in German Prisons, the number of inmates over 60 has quadrupled since the 1990s[1]. This trend mirrors a broader demographic shift, as the percentage of people over 60 in Germany's general population has risen from nearly 25% in 2003 to over 28% in 2018[1].

Prisons, built with a younger population in mind, struggle to cater to the complex needs of older inmates. The study highlights "victimisation in a system where strength and physical fitness are valued" and a persistent "macho culture" as issues that affect the elderly[1].

Senne, alongside other prisons, houses a special unit for seniors, with 87 current residents[2]. In total, German prisons provide 331 age-segregated spaces for older inmates.

Adapting to the Times

address the health challenges that come with age[1]. Meike Mönikes, head of the senior unit at Senne, explains, "We have people with various forms of dementia, people with cancer, people who have difficulty getting around, people who need a walker"[1].

The unit is accessible via two lifts, and modifications have been made to ensure a comfortable environment for the elderly[1]. "There's a balustrade running the length of the corridor along the walls, and a bathroom with showers. And in each shower, there are handles to hold on to and a stool on which you can sit to wash yourself," Mönikes says[1].

It's not uncommon to find premature aging among residents, compared to the general population[1].

A New Lease on Life

In Senne, reintegration isn't about preparing inmates for the labor market, and retired inmates are exempt from work requirements, allowing them to avoid being locked in their cells for up to 23 hours a day[1].

Instead, rehabilitation takes the form of age-appropriate activities, such as cognitive training, a fitness program for older adults, dietary advice, cookery courses, vegetable growing, and programs to boost social skills[1].

To qualify for places in these specialist units, inmates must be considered a low security risk, and, interestingly, recidivism rates are lower among older inmates compared to young offenders, who are more likely to commit violent crimes[1].

Socializing is encouraged during daytime hours, with cells often left open for prisoners to organize their day together[1]. The staff at Senne believe the open-prison concept is effective for this older population[1].

Facing the End

One challenge remains: providing adequate end-of-life care for aging inmates, a topic that the 2022 study acknowledges needs attention[1]. Currently, palliative care is not integrated into the German prison system, with different states using external hospices or transferring inmates to prison hospitals[1]. The study suggests that the focus lies on addressing medical needs rather than providing a holistic service[1].

For some long-term prisoners, on-site palliative care would allow them to spend their final days in the only environment they know[1].

Footnotes

[1] - Huber, A., Sick, R., Zeeb, G. (2022). Social Care for Older People in German Prisons: Challenges and Opportunities in an Aging Prison Population. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 49(1), 50-70.[2] - The Local, (2022). Older prisoners in Germany demand better treatment, fairer conditions. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.de/20220221/older-prisoners-in-germany-demand-better-treatment-fairer-conditions

Elderly convicts residing in Germany's senior detention facilities: an inside look at the nation's "geriatric penitentiaries"