Inmates age 51 and older have increased 50.8 percent in Florida's prisons since fiscal year 1981-82, while the total prison population has increased 25.2 percent. The older inmates have committed more serious violent crimes and have received significantly longer sentences than younger inmates. Particular prison management concerns for elderly inmates are physical and mental health, adjustment to imprisonment, vulnerability to victimization, adaptation to physical conditions, lack of suitable programs, and the diversity of the aging inmate population. Educational, vocational, recreational, and rehabilitation programs should be expanded to meet the needs of elderly inmates, offered in physically accessible locations. Programs should be structured to facilitate elderly inmates' participation rather than putting them in competition with younger inmates. Separate basic education classes should be provided for the elderly to mitigate their embarassment at lack of competence. Other recommendations pertaining to elderly inmates are special considerations in arts and crafts programs, recreation, rehabilitation, and separate facilities. 6 references.