Final answer:
Separate housing for elderly inmates would likely benefit safety, medical care, and social interaction, but not cost reduction, as elderly inmates generally result in higher incarceration costs. The correct option is D) Cost reduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the potential benefits and downsides of providing separate housing for elderly inmates. The options suggest various advantages, such as improved safety, enhanced medical care, and increased social interaction. However, given the context provided, which includes the higher healthcare and general costs associated with aging inmates, cost reduction would not be a benefit of separate housing for elderly inmates, but rather the opposite.
High healthcare demands and budget constraints mean that accommodating elderly prisoners typically results in increased expenses, not cost savings. Moreover, the ethical and practical implications of incarcerating elderly inmates who may pose a lower risk to society and face many health challenges highlight the need to consider alternatives to incarceration for this group.