Growing old, breaking rules? Trajectories and correlates of misconduct among older adults in custody

Abstract

The older adult prison population has expanded dramatically over the past four decades, yet longitudinal research on misconduct among this group remains limited. Drawing on a state-wide sample of 1062 males convicted of violent offenses and incarcerated for a minimum of 15 consecutive years, this study examines developmental patterns and correlates of prison misconduct from ages 40 to 70 using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). Three distinct misconduct trajectories were identified: low (65.82%), early-onset (27.78%), and persistent (6.40%). Multinomial logistic regression indicated that prior incarcerations, years incarcerated, age at entry, and non-White race significantly predicted trajectory group membership. Time-varying analyses revealed that increases in custody level and facility transfers were associated with greater misconduct, while visitation was associated with less misconduct across all groups. Notably, institutional employment and programming participation were associated with more misconduct among the low and early-onset groups but less among the persistent group. These findings extend the age–misconduct literature to older incarcerated populations, underscore the heterogeneity of aging trajectories behind bars, and carry implications for correctional programming, housing policy, and geriatric inmate management.