If Only

The life situations of four elderly ex-offenders are described, prior to the criminal act, during incarceration and following confinement. Offenses ranged from murder to stealing to writing bad checks. Information was derived from indepth interviews. Such themes as present economic needs and stigma emerge. The subject's physical and mental health was a significant variable in their present well being. With the number of elderly offenders and former offenders growing, this is an important population for social work.