HIV/AIDS: Not Just a "Young Person's Disease"

Joyce Remy

Older adults have increased susceptibility to HIV...but a decreased chance for early diagnosis.

At present, 10-15 percent of Americans with AIDS are over 50. Although the U.S. has experienced an overall decline in new cases of HIV infection and death from AIDS, an increase of cases has occurred in the senior population...and this rate is expected to grow.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages the immune system, and can eventually lead to the much more serious disease, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The weakened immune system puts the person in danger of other life-threatening diseases, infections and cancers. HIV/AIDS is usually contracted by having unprotected sex; by sharing hypodermic needles with an infected person; or through contact with HIV-infected blood.

Today, drugs can help the body keep the HIV under control, preventing or postponing full-blown AIDS. But early diagnosis is vital. Past HIV/AIDS awareness programs have targeted teenagers and people in their twenties and thirties...with a lack of awareness of HIV/AIDS in older adults. This is finally changing, as public health entities are making a renewed effort to reach the over-50 population.

In Seattle/King County, according to Epidemiologist Amy Bauer of Seattle/King County Public Health, "The proportion of persons living with HIV who are age 50 or over is steadily increasing, from 8 percent of all cases in 1995, to 14 percent in 2000, and currently represents more than 23 percent (1,308/5,699) of living cases reported as of September 30, 2005."

Bauer points out that the general aging of the HIV-infected population is a result of people living longer after contracting the virus, due to effective antiretroviral treatments and the prevention of opportunistic infections (such as certain forms of pneumonia). Says Bauer, "About 5 percent of the 350-400 persons newly diagnosed each year with HIV/AIDS are over age 50; this proportion has not changed over time."

"It Can't Happen to Me"

According to the National Institute on Aging, another reason for the increase in HIV/AIDS cases in seniors is that older Americans simply know less about the disease than their younger counterparts. Believing that only young people need to worry about contracting HIV, older adults are therefore less likely to protect themselves against the virus.

A large segment of the older generation, the Baby Boomers, came of age in a time of increased sexual freedom, during a "window" between the discovery of penicillin effective in curing the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the appearance of new STDs that are currently incurable. Consequently, this generation tends to be less knowledgeable, or concerned, about taking precautions against STDs. Other contributing factors include:

• Higher divorce rate
• Changing attitudes about sexuality and older adults
• Sexual performance-enhancing drugs (such as Viagra)
• Fear of pregnancy not an issue
• Drug addiction in older adults

In addition, though the nation's blood supply is now screened, many older adults received blood transfusions before 1985, when screening began. If you (or your partner) had a transfusion between 1978 and 1985, ask your healthcare provider if you should be tested.

Older adults more susceptible to HIV

As we age, our immune system is less able to fight off infection. Underlying health conditions can make us more likely to contract communicable diseases. Changes to the skin provide easier entrance for the virus into the bloodstream. And once infected with HIV, older adults develop AIDS faster, on average and the disease is more severe. Early diagnosis is important for everyone, especially for older adults.

AIDS diagnosis often overlooked

AIDS symptoms can mimic other age-related conditions. For example, the most common type of pneumonia in AIDS patients can be mistaken for congestive heart failure; HIV-related dementia can be misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's; the fatigue and weight loss caused by AIDS might be interpreted as just "normal aging."

Older adults may also find it more embarrassing to bring up the subject with their healthcare providers, not wanting to admit to at-risk behavior, and fearing the stigma of the disease.

Testing is easy

Your healthcare provider can administer an easy, quick HIV/AIDS test. Local hospitals and health centers can test you or refer you to a test site. In most states the results are private, and you can get a test anonymously.

Don't forget: although there is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, today medications can keep the virus in check especially if diagnosis comes early.

For more information....

Information about World AIDS Day activities and other resources in our area and nationwide can be found on the Washington State Department of Health's HIV/AIDS Prevention and Education Services web page.

To learn more about preventing HIV/AIDS, and the special issues pertaining to older adults, see the free booklet, "HIV, AIDS and Older People," available on the website of the National Institute on Aging.

The Seattle/King County Public Health website offers an online directory of HIV/AIDS resources, including free testing sites, or call:

HIV/STD Hotline: (206) 205-7837
English or Spanish: 1-800-678-1595
TTY Relay: 711

HIV Over Fifty is an organization for older adults who have HIV/AIDS. Their website offers information about diagnosis and treatment, as well as education, support and advocacy.

2005 Caresource Healthcare Communications