Women and HIV. Aging with HIV

Several of the physical symptoms and illnesses related to HIV disease and its treatment--such as fatigue, weight changes, memory loss, depression, and atherosclerosis--mimic typical age-related health problems. It is estimated that at least 10% of HIV positive people in the United States are 50 years of age or older--a number that will certainly increase as people with HIV live longer thanks to effective antiretroviral therapy. For older women, sorting out the interplay between HIV, aging, and the side effects of medications can be very difficult. Many health problems are exacerbated by smoking, obesity, and poor health behaviors that can lead to an increased risk of illness or death. This article addresses two common health risks in aging women with HIV: heart disease and osteoporosis.