The study focused on variables including personal background and family life, criminal activities, physical health, coping strategies, and general adjustment to prison life. This analysis suggested that some degree of cognitive dysfunction was present among these new elderly offenders, who were incarcerated for sexual offenses, murder, DUI, vehicular homicide, and drug trafficking. Most of the inmates were experiencing prison shock; indicators of guilt, depression, and psychological stress were evident in many participants. Generally, the subjects kept in contact with family members through visits, letters, or phone calls. Interactions with their prison peers played an important role in the subjects' ability to adjust to prison life. Most of the respondents reported multiple chronic health problems and indicated their health had worsened since the beginning of their incarceration. Fifteen respondents said they used religion as a means of coping with their situation. 23 references