Social Stigma and Deprivation

In many countries worldwide, including Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, older adults comprise the fastest-growing population in the prison system. This study aims to understand the reentry experiences of formally incarcerated elderly individuals in the United States through the lens of social stigma and deprivation theory. The authors use the term “returning citizens” instead of commonly used crime-centered terms like ex-offender to honor the dignity and worth of these individuals. Twenty-six elderly returning citizens, formerly incarcerated and currently residing in a major city in the northeast United States, participated in this qualitative research study. Using a semi-structured interview format allowed participants to be experts in their lives and attribute their meaning to their reentry experiences. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data. The findings of this study revealed that social stigmas and economic, social, physical, and psychological deprivations are interconnected and compound the difficulties in reintegration, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions and support systems. Participant responses suggest the need to develop macro-level infrastructure in the communities that will serve returning citizens, including vocational training in congruence with civil society to increase their employability, mental health services, and access to public health programs.