Aging is yet another factor that most people don't consider when thinking about the long term effects of imprisonment...
Everyone grows old. But being in prison, I think, makes the aging process happen faster. The diet is usually poor in nutritional value, with many foods laden with fat, salt and sugar; there's very little availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. The medical care is minimal as well.
Plus, living in a correctional facility with its daily stresses, such as the potential for sudden violence along with the unrelenting monotony many prisoners experience, makes it more likely for someone who's incarcerated to age quickly.
As for myself, however, I am thankful that I have faith in God. It has helped me to cope with long term confinement and to maintain peace of mind in what could be a hostile and negative environment where many "lifers" (inmates who are doing life sentences) see little hope of ever getting out.
No doubt long term confinement takes a terrible toll. Sadly, though, when a person commits a violent crime, he's usually not thinking about what will happen to him after he is arrested and must face heavy time. I never thought of these things, either.
D.B.
Plus, living in a correctional facility with its daily stresses, such as the potential for sudden violence along with the unrelenting monotony many prisoners experience, makes it more likely for someone who's incarcerated to age quickly.
As for myself, however, I am thankful that I have faith in God. It has helped me to cope with long term confinement and to maintain peace of mind in what could be a hostile and negative environment where many "lifers" (inmates who are doing life sentences) see little hope of ever getting out.
No doubt long term confinement takes a terrible toll. Sadly, though, when a person commits a violent crime, he's usually not thinking about what will happen to him after he is arrested and must face heavy time. I never thought of these things, either.
D.B.
