In response to the growing trend of aging among the prison population, Chiayi Prison, Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, held a special lecture titled “Enhancing Staff’s Professional Competence in Elderly Care” on October 15, 2025.
The lecture was delivered by Assistant Professor Hsieh Ming-Yuan from the Department of Social Work, Meiho University.

During his opening remarks, Deputy Warden Chung Chih-Hung noted that Taiwan officially became an aging society in 2018 and is expected to enter a super-aged society by 2026. The proportion of elderly inmates continues to increase, making it an issue that can no longer be overlooked within the correctional system.

The course focused on four key dimensions: “Cognition and Understanding,” “Identification and Assessment,” “Skills and Response,” and “Integration and Collaboration.”
Assistant Professor Hsieh first introduced the current situation and challenges of prison aging, pointing out that the number of elderly inmates has risen significantly in recent years. Their needs for medical care, psychological support, and assistance with daily living far exceed those of the general inmate population. Without proper planning, this trend could place additional burdens on prison management and custodial operations.

Through case studies, the lecturer illustrated that some elderly inmates—due to dementia or mobility limitations—may struggle to comprehend instructions or comply with institutional regulations, which can easily lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. This situation tests the professionalism and patience of correctional staff. He emphasized that caring for elderly inmates is not merely “a job” but a “professional service” and a “social responsibility.” It must be rooted in a people-centered spirit, integrating professional expertise with emotional support to ensure effective care.

Chiayi Prison stated that correctional work is not only about maintaining institutional order but also about upholding humanitarian values. As society continues to age, correctional care must evolve toward greater diversity and professionalism.
This training deepened staff members’ understanding of elderly care and aligned with the Agency of Corrections’ policy direction. The prison will continue to promote the “Elderly Inmate-Friendly Environment” initiative, including improving accessibility facilities, offering active aging courses, conducting health education programs, and implementing pre-release transition measures to safeguard inmates’ rights to health and medical care while supporting their physical and mental well-being.