Older women. Sexually transmitted diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Increasingly, American women aged 50 and over are afflicted with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In order to meet the US Public Health Services' Health Objective for the Year 2000, health care workers must address the issues that impact on the older woman's ability to protect herself and others from these highly stigmatized diseases. Nurses must be aware of the potential for STDs and AIDS in this population and appropriately refer individuals for screening and follow-up care. Older women must be empowered economically, legally, and politically so they can assume an assertive role in their own health promotion. Cultural and societal barriers need to be overcome to change stereotypic attitudes about older women's sexuality. Only then can access to health information, health care, and research be assured.