The AIDS pandemic is not limited to those 49 years of age and under. Following are some facts related to HIV/AIDS and older adults.

Many older adults are sexually active and some are drug users. These behaviors can put them at risk for becoming infected with HIV. Unfortunately, they do not realize they are at risk for HIV and thus do not practice prevention methods.

Between 11 and 15% of U.S. AIDS cases are among adults over 50.

Many seniors do not consistently use condoms during sexual intercourse. This increases their vulnerability to HIV and other STDs.

Discussions between health care and service providers and their older adult patients do not include matters of sexuality. Older adults are not routinely tested for HIV when other medical tests are run during regular medical check-ups and appointments. This results in the fact that HIV is often diagnosed at a later stage of infection with older adults. They often become ill with AIDS-related complications and die sooner than younger adults.

HIV/AIDS education programs and materials are not often targeted at older adults.

HIV symptoms are often similar to age related symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, skin rashes, and so forth. This can result in misdiagnosis in older adults.

To Learn More
Visit the following web sites for more information about HIV in older adults:

• The Body: Older People and HIV/AIDS:  www.thebody.com
• Center for AIDS Prevention Studies:
  www.caps.ucsf.edu
• HIV Wisdom for Older Women:
  www.hivwisdom.org
• National Association on HIV Over Fifty (NAHOF):
  www.hivoverfifty.org