HIV and AIDS in people older than 50. A continuing concern

The proportion of people with AIDS older than age 50 has remained constant since early in the epidemic. Given this fact, in comparison to the decrease in AIDS cases in other risk groups, it is clear that older adults remain a significant risk group. Despite engaging in behavior which puts them at risk for HIV, older adults are less likely to perceive themselves at risk and to adopt safer sexual and needle sharing behaviors. Aging comes with physiological changes, which increase risk for any infection including HIV. Older adults with HIV are more likely to be diagnosed late in disease, experience progression more quickly, and survive for a shorter period than their younger counterparts. Co-morbidities are frequent in older adults with HIV infection and can complicate the disease process and management. Recent treatment and disease monitoring advances are extending the life of individuals with HIV. Therefore, the number of older American with HIV and AIDS may increase even further, clearly defining a need for age-related interventions. Beyond the physiological disease facts, sociological factors have greatly influenced older adult risk behavior, risk-reduction efforts, social response, and health care response to the epidemic. A clear understanding of these sociological factors is necessary in planning interventions for the elderly individual with HIV. Finally, nurses are in a unique position to assist older adults at risk for or with HIV infection. However, a comprehensive understanding of physiological and sociological factors related to older adults is necessary for the most useful and acceptable interventions to be developed.