The move last week comes after the 81-year-old actor spent about four months in special housing as he acclimatised to the SCI-Phoenix facility in Philadelphia.

A state prison spokeswoman said Cosby has a single cell and is not on a ward for older inmates.

Spokeswoman Amy Worden said inmates there can spend several hours a day in the gym or exercise yard, and other time in the library, class or day room.

She said Cosby, who is designated legally blind, has inmates assigned to help him at times, given his age and disability.

Cosby is serving time for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman at his home in 2004.

Australian Associated Press