Undervalued–older inmates within the prison system: A call for research
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2022.0264Keywords:
dance, dance movement, recreational therapy, inpatient, adolescenceAbstract
The quality and quantity of recreation and leisure services provided for older inmates has been extensively overlooked within the correctional system. This is despite the fact that there has been a sharp increase in older inmate populations since 1981. Recreation and leisure programs are typically designed for youthful, able-bodied, inmates. However, for older incarcerated individuals (ages 50+), programs may not be inclusive to specific needs and interest as they seek to experience positive physical, psychosocial, and behavioral changes. The purposes of this paper are to provide an overview of aging and health, recreation and leisure, and current issues regarding age-friendly recreation and leisure for older adults in the correctional system. This paper will propose future directions for research in the field of recreational therapy.
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