Recent years have witnessed significant increase in numbers of older men imprisoned in England and Wales; a phenomenon experienced across the western world. Those aged fifty and over represent the fastest-growing demographic group in prison in England and Wales. This article summaries explanations for and implications of this increase and the characteristics, needs and lived experiences of this population, before critically reflecting on current policy and practice responses; and how responses highlight definitional and policy ambiguities around older prisoners. The article discusses a multi-agency initiative developed at one prison in northern England that recognised the uniqueness of older prisoners, modified regimes and changed physical environments. Impact is benchmarked against Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons four tests of a healthy prison, followed by discussion of findings and implications for policy and practice. The article argues for expanded collaboration to better manage challenges posed by older prisoners, supported by a national strategy.

近年来，英格兰和威尔士被监禁的老年男性人数显着增加；整个西方世界都经历过的现象。五十岁及以上的人是英格兰和威尔士监狱中增长最快的人口群体。在批判性地反思当前的政策和实践反应之前，本文总结了这一增长的解释和影响，以及这一人群的特征、需求和生活经历；以及反应如何突出关于老年囚犯的定义和政策模糊性。本文讨论了在英格兰北部一所监狱开发的一项多机构倡议，该倡议承认老年囚犯的独特性、改良的制度和改变的物理环境。影响以女王陛下监狱监察局对健康监狱的四项测试为基准，然后讨论调查结果以及对政策和实践的影响。文章主张在国家战略的支持下扩大合作，以更好地应对老年囚犯带来的挑战。