Do you have a history of incarceration? Tell us your experience

A recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found older adults in the U.S. who have a history of incarceration were associated with increased risks of chronic diseases and geriatric syndromes, even after accounting for socioeconomic status.

In this study, at least 1 in 15 older adults in the U.S. reported having a history of incarceration in their lifetime. After adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, wealth, educational attainment, and uninsured status, a history of incarceration was associated with a 20% to 80% increased risk of all geriatric syndromes evaluated, including impairment of activities of daily living and hearing impairment, according to the researchers. Researchers also found that a history of incarceration was also associated with increased risks of some chronic diseases, including chronic lung disease, mental health conditions, and heavy alcohol use.