New research explores how older prisoners serving life sentences experience hope – particularly when faced with the prospect of dying in prison.

Findings show that older prisoners describe day-to-day hope as opportunities to participate in meaningful activities, feeling safe and being able to enjoy a quiet life within prison.

Stories of dashed hopes include cancelled meetings, being denied parole, violent incidents and the monotony of prison life. The findings revealed a commonly held belief that the institution of prison removes hope systematically – and that the individual is left solely responsible for their personal fulfilment. 

The research also acknowledges that older prisoners have considerable anxieties about dying in prison or being forgotten. Rather than being future-oriented, hope therefore becomes anchored in the present, focusing on day-to-day human connections, and meaningful activities. 

‘Hope in prison fluctuates like a broken pendulum; it surges at times and collapses at others. It is influenced by external events (e.g parole decisions, health changes, staff interactions) and internal states (mood, memory, sense of fulfilment). Routines can bring flickers of hope, while relationships and interactions can help it spike but only to crash again.’ 

To read the full report, click here.