Aging on Parole - by Angela S Murolo (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Analyzes the challenges aging populations face when leaving prison

An increasing proportion of people in prison are over 50 years old, with projections indicating that by 2030, 30% of people in prison will be over 50. Because 95% of people in prison return home, a greater proportion of them will be of advanced age. When returning home, older people have lower rates of recidivism compared to their younger counterparts. However, there are challenges that make their reentry particularly difficult, including the possibility of illness and untreated mental health or substance abuse issues, obtaining employment and stable housing at an advanced age, and broken family ties.

Through the lens of redeemability and reintegrative shaming, Aging on Parole examines the needs of people leaving prison in New Jersey and New York, with a focus on people over 50 years old. Through interviews with people on parole, Murolo introduces the importance of successful aging and how the challenges of reentry make that possibility difficult. Moving beyond purely correctional or reentry challenges, this book explores what life satisfaction or well-being means for older people returning from prison.

By sharing the stories of the aging parolees' economic and housing struggles, challenges rebuilding family relationships, and health challenges, Murolo creates a deeper understanding of this growing population. The book also provides recommendations, including age-relevant programming and services to improve reentry outcomes, that provide insight into ways older people can find life satisfaction after parole.

Review Quotes

"This timely and engaging book provides an in-depth look at the interaction of aging and the parole system. Aging on Parole enhances our much-needed understanding of the unique challenges facing older parolees, emphasizing the need for more thoughtful tailored support and policy reforms so aging individuals can successfully return to the community."-- "Ronald Aday, co-author of Women Lifers: Lives Before, Behind, and Beyond Bars"

"Aging on Parole is more than an academic study; it is a roadmap for reform. Angela Murolo offers a comprehensive analysis of the aging parolee population in New York and New Jersey, combing quantitative data with moving qualitative interviews. By exposing systemic gaps and providing a pragmatic 11-point action guide, Murolo offers an essential resource for policymakers and advocates seeking to humanize the reintegration process for this growing population."-- "Jeff Mellow"

About the Author

Angela S. Murolo is Assistant Professor in the Department of Law, Police Science & Criminal Justice Administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.