COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A recent review shows efforts to shrink Ohio's inmate population by moving eligible offenders out of prisons isn't having much effect on the oldest inmates.

A sentencing overhaul passed last year required the state to review the parole eligibility of the nearly 350 prisoners age 65 or older. Ohio Parole Board chairwoman Cynthia Mauser tells The Columbus Dispatch ( http://bit.ly/Izf3u1 ) none of those inmates was found eligible for a speeded-up parole process and early release because of age.

Almost half of those inmates are serving life sentences, and many of the rest are behind bars for major felonies.

Prisoner advocate Karen Timmes says she believes officials put too much emphasis on the original crimes instead of an inmate's rehabilitation and potential to contribute to society if released.

---

Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com