Final answer:
Inmates over 45, including homeless inmates, face serious health concerns exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and prison conditions. Elderly prisoners face increased risk of chronic diseases and more significant health care needs, raising ethical concerns about their continued incarceration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of COVID-19 on prison populations has highlighted the vulnerabilities of specific inmate groups, particularly the elderly prisoners over the age of 45. With the ongoing pandemic, the aging inmate populations face serious health concerns beyond just the common cold. These health concerns include chronic illnesses such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes, which are more severe due to their age and the conditions within the prison.
When considering the homeless population, many of the same concerns apply. The homeless population in cities often faces extreme vulnerabilities, including a lack of adequate medical care and living conditions that can lead to serious illnesses. It is reasonable to infer that homeless inmates, just like their counterparts outside of prison, are consequently at a higher risk of health issues more serious than a common cold.
Elderly prisoners, including those over the age of 45, require more healthcare, substantially increasing prison healthcare budgets. Their susceptibility to serious illness in the confines of prisons is heightened not only because of age-related comorbidities but also due to the prison environment, which includes overcrowding and insufficient medical resources. This situation raises ethical questions about the incarceration of senior inmates who pose lower risks to society and face serious health issues.