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Living and maturing with HIV

How does HIV affect older people? 

More and more people with HIV are living longer and longer.
50+ 204 16.3% 171 21.4% 4760 27.7%
MEN 140 11.2% 122 15.3% 3786 22.0%
WOMEN 64 5.1% 49 6.0% 974 5.7%
According to estimates, in a short time, over half those who are HIV positive in the United States will be over 50.  As an older person, you can get HIV the same way as younger people.  However, you may not be aware that you are at risk of HIV infection.  Additionally, as an older people you may have to deal with other health issues, which can impact which anti-HIV medications can be used.  Health issues linked to aging can also be confused with some of the side effects of HIV drugs.

HIV drugs work about as well in older people, although your T-cell counts may be lower.  Research is also showing that HIV medications and HIV accelerates the aging process and might make people susceptible to diseases and conditions generally seem in older adults such as bone problems, heart disease and cognitive impairment.

What are the prevention challenges for older people?

HIV is not only a threat to younger generations; in fact, as an older adult who might be exposed to HIV you are at greater risk than younger people because of weakened immune systems due to aging. Also, healthcare providers may not screen you for sexually transmitted diseases due to "ageist" attitudes, so if you are an older adult who may be at risk, you need to ask to be tested at your regular check-ups. 

Older adults are less likely to use protection because they do not see themselves at risk for HIV.  If you are sexually active with more than one partner or a new partner, you should protect yourself from exposure to HIV and be tested on a regular basis. 

Often older adults are often not diagnosed properly as having HIV/AIDS because many of the symptoms resemble the symptoms of old age. The 50 and older population is frequently left out of HIV/AIDS research, drug trials and educational prevention programs. 

As we age, it is important to take responsibility for our health and overall lifestyle. When it comes down to it, no one cares about you more than you do. While there are services and people that you need for support, it is up to you to take care of yourself.  

What can older people do?

Get educated!  Educate yourself about the different ways that you can acquire HIV and all the ways to protect yourself. Learn your status so that you can protect yourself and your partners.  Teach those around you about how HIV can be transmitted and how you can protect yourself from infection.  Work in your community to improve awareness.  You and your partner should get tested for HIV and other STDs so that you are aware of each other's status before you have sex.  Talk about HIV and other STDs with each partner before you have sex.  Ask your partners if they have recently been tested for HIV; encourage those who have not been tested to do so. Use a latex condom and lubricant every time you have sex.  Get tested for HIV once a year.

 

     
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