Aging Behind Bars - Lived Experiences of Geriatric Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLS) - Volume 07 - Issue 03

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Mason

This study explored the lived experiences of geriatric Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) within selected Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities in the CALABARZON Region. It addressed limited local research on the coping mechanisms and psychosocial realities of elderly incarcerated individuals as the population of aging inmates increases. The study examined how geriatric PDLs experience aging in confinement, their relationships and daily living conditions, and how they cope with physical, emotional, and social challenges through qualitative phenomenology. Ten participants provided in-depth semi-structured narratives analyzed via thematic analysis. Results showed physical decline, emotional distress, and social isolation, alongside resilience through spirituality, emotion regulation, peer support, acceptance, and meaningful relationships, underscoring age-responsive healthcare, family support, and adaptive institutional programs.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Background and Rationale

Methodology

Research Design

Aging Behind Bars: Lived Experiences of Geriatric Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLS) Mervic A Cuasay 1*, Araceli B Paster 2 1 CHRA, CSPE, CPFA, GCP, Master of Arts in Psychology Graduate School, City ofCabuyao, Laguna, Philippines 2 PhD, CHRA, CSPE, CRS, City ofCabuyao, Laguna, Philippines * Corresponding Author: Mervic A Cuasay Article Info ISSN (Online): 2582-7138 Impact Factor (RSIF): 8.04 Volume: 07 Issue: 03 May-June 2026 Received: 16-03-2026 Accepted: 18-04-2026 Published: 20-05-2026 Page No: 752-758 Abstract This study explored the lived experiences of geriatric Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) within selected Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities in the CALABARZON Region. It addressed the limited local research focusing on the unique experiences, coping mechanisms, and psychosocial realities of elderly incarcerated individuals despite the increasing population of aging inmates in Philippine correctional facilities. Specifically, the study aimed to understand how geriatric PDLs experience aging in confinement, describe their relationships and daily living conditions, and cope with the physical, emotional, and social challenges of incarceration. A qualitative phenomenological research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of the participants’ lived experiences. The study involved ten (10) geriatric PDLs aged 60 years old and above from selected BJMP facilities in the provinces ofCavite, Laguna, and Batangas. Participants were purposively selected based on their willingness and ability to provide rich and meaningful narratives. Data were gathered through face-toface, in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that geriatric PDLs experience physical decline, emotional distress, social isolation, and age-related limitations while in confinement. Participants described challenges associated with deteriorating health, restricted mobility, loneliness, and emotional struggles brought about by prolonged incarceration and separation from their families. Despite these adversities, they demonstrated resilience through spirituality, emotional regulation, peer support, acceptance, and meaningful interpersonal relationships. The study also highlighted the importance of age-responsive healthcare services, family support, and adaptive institutional programs in promoting the well-being of elderly inmates. The study concluded that aging in confinement significantly affects the physical, psychological, and social well-being of geriatric PDLs. However, through adaptive coping mechanisms and supportive relationships, they continue to find meaning, resilience, and hope despite the realities of incarceration. DOI: [https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2026.7.3.752-758](https://doi.org/10.54660/.IJMRGE.2026.7.3.752-758) Keywords: Geriatric Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), lived experiences, phenomenology, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology 1. Introduction The increasing population of older persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) has become a significant global concern due to the physical, psychological, and social challenges associated with aging in confinement. According to the World Health Organization (2021) [10], elderly PDLs commonly experience chronic illnesses, functional limitations, and mental health problems, while many correctional systems remain inadequately equipped to address their age-specific needs. Similarly, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2025) [9] emphasized that aging in prison increases vulnerability to social isolation, emotional distress, and diminished well-being, highlighting the need for age-appropriate correctional policies and humane treatment for older prisoners. In the Philippine context, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (2022) [3] reported a continuous increase in the number of geriatric PDLs, particularly in overcrowded regions such as CALABARZON. Existing j

FAQs

What did the study aim to understand about geriatric PDLs in confinement?

It aimed to explain how geriatric PDLs experience aging in confinement, describe their relationships and daily living conditions, and understand their coping with physical, emotional, and social challenges.

How was the research conducted?

A qualitative phenomenological design was used. Ten geriatric PDLs aged 60 and above from selected BJMP facilities participated in face-to-face, in-depth semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

What main challenges did geriatric PDLs report while incarcerated?

Findings revealed physical decline, emotional distress, social isolation, and age-related limitations, including deteriorating health, restricted mobility, loneliness, and emotional struggles caused by prolonged incarceration.

What factors supported resilience among geriatric PDLs despite adversity?

Participants demonstrated resilience through spirituality, emotional regulation, peer support, acceptance, and meaningful interpersonal relationships, alongside the need for age-responsive healthcare, family support, and adaptive institutional programs.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Mason

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