The Irish Penal Reform Trust is warning that Irish prisons are playing 'catch-up' to the growing number of elderly inmates.
Figures published this morning show 24 criminals in their 70s and 80s are behind bars in Irish jails and the number is growing.
An increase in the length of jail terms and the prosecution of historical crimes has led to a 70% rise in elderly prisoners in the past 6 years.
Prisons designed 'for young people'
An 80-year-old murderer is among the prison population.
Jimmy Ennis who murdered a Cork farmer in 1964 is so institutionalised he has not applied for parole.
The Irish Penal Reform Trust says many older prisoners only cope because other inmates help them and it is time for a more targeted approach.
Liam Herrick is from the Penal Reform Trust.
He says the 14 Irish prisons are designed for younger prisoners.
A report launched last November also highlighted the needs of children and families of prisoners.