HIV/AIDS among Older Adults

Hollywood sells the sexual revolution with ever changing but always young protagonists.  The reality looks much different, with older adults having more sex than we expect. A recent AARP study published in 2010 reports that for older adults aged 60 to 69, 42 percent of males and 32 percent for females had sexual intercourse in the past week or month. Although sexual activity declines with age, it does not go away. Even those 70 years and older, 22 percent of males and 11 percent of females report having sexual intercourse at least once a month.

Sexual activity comes with the risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). STDs refer to more than 25 infections transmitted primarily through sexual activity. Despite STDs being preventable, these diseases remain a significant issue, especially because some—especially HIV/AIDS—can kill.

STDs remain a hidden and quiet epidemic among older adults. But a perfect storm is brewing. Older adults who recently divorced or widowed started entering the dating scene again. Older women may be especially at risk because age-related vaginal thinning and dryness can cause tears that increase susceptibility to infection. Older men—although lacking experience and knowledge of STDs—seem to have an aversion to using condoms and other safe sex methods. With new easier access to partners through Internet dating, perceived lack of susceptibility and the use of Viagra, older adults are prime candidate for STDs, and statistics are now proving this susceptibility.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of persons aged 50 years and older living with HIV/AIDS continues to increase. In 2005—the latest data we have for older adults—one in four persons with HIV/AIDS was an older adult. This rate increased from one in six in 2001. Of all new cases of HIV/AIDS, one in seven is among older adults and a third of all deaths with AIDS are among older adults.

This increase is partly due to people living longer with the disease—especially due to the highly effective antiretroviral therapy (HAART)—and partly due to new infections.  However, it does not affect older adults equally.  HIV/AIDS rates among older adults are 12 times higher among Blacks and 5 times higher among Latinos compared with Whites.

The lack of testing, and subsequent identification of HIV/AIDS, prevents early detection and early treatment.  Health care professionals may underestimate older adults’ risk for HIV/AIDS. Also some symptoms mimic conditions wrongly associated with aging, for example, fatigue, weight loss, and mental confusion. Early diagnosis, which typically leads to the prescription of HAART and to other medical and social services, can improve a person’s chances of living a longer and healthier life.

Although the sexual revolution continues into older age, be wise and take care of your health by practicing safe sex. For HIV testing the county has a number of sites (including at all STD clinics). You can reach County Health Services Complex at 619-296-2120. The same number also connects you to an HIV Mobile testing unit that does home visits. In addition, people can reach the San Diego LGBT Community Center at 619-692-2077.