Despite the growing number of older individuals deprived of liberty, i.e., living in prison, research on the specific realities of incarcerated older women remains scarce. My research explores how age and gender intersect to shape the experiences, needs, and vulnerabilities of older women in prison. Drawing on a review of the literature within the European context, the analysis highlights how prison systems, originally designed for a younger male population, generally fail to account for the compounded challenges faced by older incarcerated women. These challenges at the health and healthcare levels — particularly in relation to gender-specific and age-related conditions — limited access to age and gender-sensitive programs, and the social isolation exacerbated by double stigmatization. Applying an intersectional lens, our study examines how older women’s experiences of incarceration, and their prospects for reintegration are shaped by systemic inequalities. Preliminary findings indicate that public (prison) policy and institutional practices often neglect the special needs of this minority population, reinforcing their invisibility and marginalization. We call for a shift toward gender- and age-responsive policy that ensure equitable treatment and better support for older incarcerated women. By addressing this gap, the research contributes to broader discussions on justice and human rights.

Authors:
Silvia Bernardo, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
Amélia Augusto, University of Beira Interior, Portugal
Pedro das Neves, Innovative Prison Systems, Portugal

About the Presenter(s)
Sílvia Bernardo, PhD Research Fellow, University of Beira Interior & IPS_Innovative Prison Systems, Portugal.
My current project is a research into the prison experiences of older women in the Portuguese carceral context.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviabernardo/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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