United States: Aging With AIDS

Experts estimate that 10-17 percent of US AIDS cases occur in people over 50. Between 1990 and 2001, the cumulative number of AIDS cases reported to CDC in people age 50 and older quintupled, from just over 16,000 to more than 90,000. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department in Washington estimates that among the 445 county residents with AIDS, more than 110 are over 50. The Pierce County AIDS Foundation, which links AIDS patients with local resources, estimates that about 16 percent of its active clients are 50 or older. In March, 46 of 285 clients were 50 or older; the oldest was 73.

Older adults who re-enter the world of dating after divorce or the death of a spouse might not believe AIDS prevention messages apply to them, according to Jane Fowler, a 68-year-old Kansas City Star Reporter who was diagnosed with HIV at 55.

"Older adults do not perceive themselves to be at risk," said Charles Emlet, a University of Washington-Tacoma professor who researches older adults with HIV. "And the societal view is that older people are asexual."

Younger doctors might be reluctant to discuss sexual matters or STDs with older patients, and many post-menopausal women, no longer fearing pregnancy, do not think about using condoms for protection against STDs. Stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS is compounded for older adults by the stigma of ageism.

Health professionals suggest improved data collection will help researchers understand the interaction between AIDS and aging, as will prevention, support and treatment services specifically aimed at that population. Additionally, health-care providers should be educated about the risks for older adults, the dangers of misdiagnosis, and case management for older people with HIV/AIDS. Experts also suggest more coordination of services between agencies for the elderly and agencies for HIV/AIDS patients.

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