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<p>At the end of March this year, there were just over 13,000 prisoners over the age
of 50 in England and Wales, being 16% of the total prison population. This represents
a 5% increase since March 2016 and 40% since March 2012.</p><p> </p><p>We are currently
working to enhance our knowledge about the particular health and social needs of older
prisoners so we can determine how we might meet these requirements. We have therefore
set up a working group to explore this issue. This work will include taking on expert
advice on what changes we might need to make to the estate or to the regime.</p>
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