Graying Plague- HIV and AIDS Among Older Adults

The stereotypical HIV/AIDS patient is a drug user or a male homosexual. Now, that stereotype may be changing to someone with gray hair. Sad but true.

HIV is Human Immunodeficiency Virus. After a time, it progresses to AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

Older adults account for 30% of all persons living with AIDS. According to new statistics released from the CDC, twenty years ago 10% of older adults died with AIDS. Now, among those dying with AIDS, 35% are older adults. It is estimated that by the year 2015, one half of all HIV/AIDS patients will be age fifty or over. There are three primary reasons for the expected increase among older adults:

1. People are living with HIV longer [and therefore delaying full-blown AIDS] thanks to more sophisticated antiviral drugs.
2. The aging population is expected to increase significantly. There are now 35m older adults but 75m Baby Boomers [1946-1964] entering senior status.
3. Fifteen percent of all new cases of HIV/AIDS are older adults.

Older adults are sicker when first diagnosed with HIV. Their symptoms may go unnoticed for years. Why? First, their immune systems are already waning. Second, their HIV symptoms mimic what they believe is "normal" aging:

• Aches and pains
• Headache
• Reduced energy
• Arthritic problems
• Vision problems
• Chronic cough
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

The HIV incubation period is shorter for older adults, as their immune systems are weaker. While the average incubation period is 7.3 years, it is only 5.7 years for older adults. HIV/AIDS produces accelerated aging and ultimately frailty. The frailty caused by HIV/AIDS cannot be reversed in older adults.

The primary cause of HIV/AIDS in older adults is having unprotected sex with an infected individual. Studies indicate that 38% of older adults are having unprotected sex. Researchers have found that older adults are not using latex condoms, as pregnancy is not a worry anymore. The majority of older adults are not aware that HIV/AIDS is a "problem" and have assumed that the disease is limited to drug users and male homosexuals. The literature recommends that sexually active older adults use latex condoms.

I would like to add that abstinence is 100% safe for avoiding HIV/AIDS.

Sources:

AIDS Alert, March 2010, Vol 25, No 3.

Aging and Mental Health, 2005, Vol. 9, The aging HIV/AIDS population: Fragile social networks by R. A. Shippy and S. E. Karpiak;

AIDS Patient Care & STE's, 2007, Vol. 21, Predictors of delayed HIV diagnosis in a recently diagnosed cohort by J. Mayben, J. Kramer, M. Kallen, L. Franzini, D. Lairson, and T. Giordano.