In Canada, persons over the age of 50 have been experiencing increasing rates of HIV infection. |
In 1996, Canadians
over 50 were less than 1% of new infections. That number jumped to nearly
12% of new infections in 2001. This increase may result from the fact that older adults continue to be sexually active but may be less likely to use condoms. As well, post-menopausal women are at greater risk of HIV infection through sexual activity due to thinning vaginal walls and reduced lubrication. It is also important to consider the issues surrounding injection drug use, and recognize that older adults may also engage in this activity. In fact, the number of HIV-infected older persons may well be higher, since this age group may not think they are at risk and don’t need to be tested. Symptoms such as dementia, lung problems, and unexplained weight loss may be attributed to the aging process instead of being investigated as HIV related. The number of older persons living with HIV/AIDS is also increasing, due in part to more effective medications that are helping HIV+ people live longer so that infections are occurring later in life. For more information on HIV/AIDS and older persons, check out our Briefing Documents and our Links. |