A Study on Social Adjustment Among Elderly Inmates Convicts Central Prisons of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Tamil Nadu prisons house a growing number of aging inmates facing hardships in correctional facilities. Some cope with old bones suffering in cold winter sessions without mattresses, lack wheelchairs or walkers, and cannot afford portable oxygen or hearing aids. So many Elderly inmates very difficult to even dressing, going to the bathroom or bathing without assistance. The research reveals the plight of inmates who are incontinent, forgetful, suffering from chronic illnesses, severe ailments, and many who are dying while growing old behind bars.

Objective:

To study the socio-economic conditions of Elderly Inmates Convicts.

To assess Social Adjustment among Elderly Inmates Convicts.

Material and Method:

This study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine Social Adjustment among Elderly inmate’s convicts in central prisons of Tamil Nadu. A descriptive research design was employed, and the sample was selected through purposive sampling. Five Central Prisons were chosen from a total sample size of 213, located in Tamil Nadu State, India: Cudalore, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruchirappalli and Vellore.

Results:

The major findings of the research study include the following 47 percent of elderly inmates are in the age group 60-65 years, and 24 percent are between 66-70 years. 77.9 percent of elderly individuals are from rural areas. 46.5 percent have primary-level educational qualifications and have committed crimes for emotional reasons. 89.7 percent of the elderly inmates who committed crimes were married. 59 percent of respondents have a family income ranging from Rs.1000 to Rs. 5000, indicating vulnerable socio-economic conditions. 43 percent of elderly inmates are involved in farming, while 30 percent engage in labor work.61 percent of respondents belong to nuclear families, and the complex connections between various individual and environmental factors contribute to mental illness in elder convicts. 86 percent of respondents have a Hindu religious background, with current research lacking and inadequate services for elderly prisoners suffering from mental illness. 66 percent of respondents committed murder, 18 percent sexual offenses, 8 percent attempted murder, 6 percent corruption cases & 2 percent kidnapping, and harboring offenders. 51 percent of respondents face a lifetime punishment. The research used a social adjustment scale for the aged to analyze aspects such as Family, Spouse, Interpersonal Relations, Health, and Finance