This paper examines the growing public health concern for women of color, age 65 and older, who are HIV/AIDS victims. Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS among older persons and especially women has not been considered necessary because of the perception that their sexual activity decreases with age. Yet, recent statistics and a vast resaerch literature reveal that, from 1980 to the present, the number of older women of color diagnosed with HIV/AIDS has rapidly increased. This is primarily due to multiple causes such as blood transfusions, unprotected sex, and other physical conditions. African American and Hispanic females have the highest reported rates of HIV/AIDS when compared to other women of color across their lifespan. In 1996, women of color over age 50 represented 9% of reported HIV/AIDS cases. With the escalation of HIV/AIDS idagnosed in these age cohorts, nursing homes, families, and other significant support group systems are facing health care issues for which they have not been adequately prepared.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will be able to describe HIV/AIDS concerns of older women. 2. Participants will be able to describe the effect of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on geriatric services
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Elderly
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.