HIV and Older Adults - Part 2

In part 2 of this 2 part series we are sharing an article that one of our case managers wrote and had printed in Kerby Centre Newsletter.

One doesn’t have to look very far to see that sex is everywhere: on the television, in the paper, on the radio. How much of this reflects the experience of older adults? How much HIV and STI prevention messaging is targeted at older adult populations? Many older adults may not have received education about correct condom use or sexual risk behaviours. The media reinforces the message that older adults are not at risk, while statistics continue to state otherwise. Greater communication needs to occur to educate seniors about taking care of their sexual health.

In spite of the lack of sexual health information being directed at older adults, research has suggested that seniors are worried about HIV and other STIs. A study of adults aged 65 and over found that 50% of respondents were concerned about HIV and other STIs, versus only 30% of the physicians and health care practitioners serving these individuals . While this study was small, it suggests that doctors may be unlikely to talk to their patients about sexuality and safer sex. In addition, patients often report embarrassment or fear of discussing their sexual activities with their physician.

The current lack of communication, education, and awareness about sexual risk behaviours for older adults has resulted in low rates of HIV testing for this group. Older individuals presenting with HIV symptoms are often not considered at risk for HIV, with their symptoms being mistaken for other age-related health concerns. This failure to acknowledge HIV risk factors for older adults means that older adults are being diagnosed with HIV at a much later stage of the illness, despite their frequent involvement with health care services. Adults over the age of 50 are 20% more likely to receive a late-stage diagnosis than those under the age of 50 . For older adults who receive this diagnosis late, they may be as much as 14 times more likely to die within a year of their diagnosis than peers of the same age who were diagnosed promptly . Early detection is particularly important for the treatment of HIV in older adults, who may face additional age-related complications when living with HIV.

There is no cure for HIV but it is both preventable and treatable for people of all ages. More work is needed to promote older adults as a vulnerable population for HIV transmission and to encourage dialogue between patients and health care providers about sexual health. What can you do to protect yourself against HIV? Education, awareness, and safer sex behaviours are all powerful tools for HIV prevention. Safe sex practices and regular testing can ensure that all older adults are able to continue to enjoy safe, happy, healthy intimate relationships well into later life.

More information about HIV, safer sex, and testing is available through community organisations such AIDS Calgary Awareness Association and Calgary Sexual Health Centre. AIDS Calgary also provides counselling and support programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. To connect with AIDS Calgary you can call 403-508-2500 or check out our website at www.aidscalgary.org.

Sources
Katherine Githens & Emily Abramsohn, “Still Got it at Seventy: Sexuality, Aging, and HIV,” Achieve, Summer 2010
Havlik, R.J., & Kaminski, D.M. “Ageing before your time?” Achieve, Fall 2009: 17
Havlik, R.J., & Kaminski, D.M. “Ageing before your time?” Achieve, Fall 2009: 17