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Updated: May 11, 2026
07:27
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Aging with HIV: a practical review.
Sandra Wagner Cardoso1, Thiago Silva Torres, Marilia Santini-Oliveira
1Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas, HIV/AIDS Clinical Research Center, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Summary
The global elderly population is growing, leading to more individuals over 50 living with HIV. Delayed diagnosis and age-related health issues present challenges in managing HIV in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The global elderly population is rapidly expanding, with a significant increase projected in developing countries like Brazil.
- Advances in antiretroviral therapy have dramatically increased life expectancy for people with HIV, contributing to an aging HIV population.
- The incidence of AIDS in individuals aged 50 and above has doubled in Brazil, highlighting a growing demographic within the HIV epidemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on HIV infection in individuals aged 50 years and older.
- To focus on practical aspects of clinical management and long-term follow-up for this specific population.
- To address the unique challenges associated with diagnosing and treating HIV in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on HIV infection in individuals aged 50 years and older.
- Analysis of challenges in diagnosis, including symptom overlap with common elderly diseases and underestimation of risk by healthcare professionals.
- Consideration of comorbidities associated with aging and increased susceptibility to medication toxicity and interactions.
Main Results:
- HIV diagnosis is often delayed in older adults due to symptom confusion and lower perceived risk.
- Aging individuals with HIV face challenges from age-related morbidities and increased vulnerability to antiretroviral therapy side effects.
- Older adults are at higher risk for adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions.
Conclusions:
- The aging HIV population requires tailored clinical approaches and long-term management strategies.
- Healthcare providers must be vigilant in diagnosing HIV in older adults and addressing their specific health needs.
- Further research is needed to optimize care for elderly individuals living with HIV.
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