Singapore prisons adapt as inmate population ages, 1 in 6 aged 60 or older

Singapore's prisons are grappling with a significant increase in their aging inmate population, a trend mirroring the nation's broader demographic shift. By 2025, approximately one in six prisoners in Singapore will be 60 or older, a notable rise from about one in ten in 2019, according to the Singapore Prison Service (SPS).

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They used to have that kind of card that you slot in and you press the amount, then they changed to the tapping system. I didn’t know what to do. The guy behind me had to come and help me out, that was a very big embarrassment for me, as though I came from space.

The challenges faced by these older inmates are multifaceted. Many live with chronic illnesses and mobility issues, and some show early signs of dementia. Prison officers require specialized skills and patience to manage these complex needs. The Assisted Living Correctional Unit (ALCU) specifically caters to senior inmates, with an average age of around 60, incorporating features like metal commodes and handrails to aid daily living.

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Due to ageing, I have lost my sense of worth already. I sometimes think to myself, it doesn't make any difference whether I'm outside or inside.

For inmates like Desmond, a 71-year-old who has struggled with addiction for decades and is serving his 14th prison term, the prospect of release is daunting. He worries about navigating a society that has changed significantly during his incarcerations, citing difficulties with new payment systems as one example. The loss of a sense of worth and the struggle to find employment and housing further compound his anxieties, leading him to question the difference between being inside or outside prison.

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They do have a lot of medical conditions. Some of them might start to also show early signs of dementia.