The Aging of AIDS

The increase of AIDS in the older population

Story by Kerry McAvoy
Photo from New York State Department of Health

The AIDS population is aging. Many recent studies have shown that older Americans are having more sex. With the increase in sexual activity comes a very unwelcome side effect: An increase in the number of AIDS cases in older adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, about 19 percent of all people with HIV/AIDS in this country are age 50 and older. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration (HRSA) put the increase at around 10 percent. Kelly Callahan of the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York said that they see a varied age group, but have recently seen people in their '50s and '60s coming in.

"HIV doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care how old you are. It doesn't matter if you have grandkids."

The CDC also reports that since many older Americans do not get tested for HIV/AIDS, there is a possibility that there may be many more cases than those reported. Callahan said that immune systems change as people get older and as a result, symptoms of HIV may be ignored. Many older people don't find out they have the disease until it has developed into AIDS. They will go to their doctor because they are not feeling well and they find out their illness is related to AIDS.

One of the main reasons for the increase in AIDS in the older population is that they are not taught about how to protect themselves from AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Much of the focus on prevention has focused on younger people like high school and college students. Yet, the over-50 population is showing a large increase in the number of AIDS cases.

Older people may also feel they don't need protection or may be embarrassed to speak to their partner about using protection. Callahan said that many older people may feel that they are not at risk because they are not exhibiting the same types of sexual behavior that young adults in high school or college are.

Some subjects, such as sex and condoms, are taboo for older generations. Younger generations may feel more comfortable talking about safe sex with their partners because they see it on TV or have parents that are more open to talking about protection. The older generations may still see sex as something that shouldn't be discussed.

The HRSA reports that because of an increase in the number of Americans over the age of 50, changes in social norms regarding sex, and drugs, such as Viagra, older people are capable of having a more active sex life. Also, because they are past child-bearing age, many older women may think that they do not need to use protection since they can no longer get pregnant. With this increase in sexual activity, many are putting themselves at risk. Callahan said they try to get the point across that unprotected sex and sharing needles can lead to HIV/AIDS. They are trying to get the message to older people that it can happen to them too.

Organizations like the National Association on HIV over 50 have recently come out to warn older Americans about the risks and dangers of HIV. This group is also dedicated to educating the over 50 crowd on safe sex practices, the benefits of early detection, and frequent testing for those with multiple partners.

"HIV doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care how old you are. It doesn't matter if you have grandkids," Callahan said. Young or old, black or white, male or female, it can happen to anyone. The best way to prevent it is to use a condom or abstain from sex. Getting tested regularly and making sure your partner also gets tested can catch the disease early, or prevent the person from getting it.

How has AIDS affected your life?

For those interested in getting an HIV/AIDS test, there are several places to obtain one. This list is from the New York State Department of Health.

In Clinton County:

-AIDS Council of Northeastern New York, located at 202 Cornelia Street in Plattsburgh, offers both blood and oral fluid tests by appointment.

-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, 206 Cornelia Street, Suite 201 in Plattsburgh, offers blood tests by appointment.

-Clinton County Health Department, 133 Margaret Street, Plattsburgh, offers blood testing for walk-ins, by appointment, and is open evening hours. It only serves the residents of Clinton County.

-Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood, located at 66 Brinkerhoff Street in Plattsburgh, both blood and oral fluid testing is available by appointment and is open evening hours. In Essex County: Essex County Public Health Nursing Service, at 132 Water Street in Elizabethtown, offers both blood and rapid blood tests for walk-ins and appointment, and is open on evening and weekend hours for appointments. It is only available for Essex County Residents. (518) 873-3511

- Moriah Health Center, 27 Hospital Road in Mineville, offers blood test for walk-ins and appointments. (518) 942-7123

-Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson Inc., at 171 Lake George Avenue in Ticonderoga, offers blood testing by appointment and for walk-ins. They are open Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (518) 585-7622. The Ticonderoga Health Center, at 102 Race Track Road in Ticonderoga, offers blood testing by appointment and walk-in. They are available evening hours and weekend hours. (518) 585-6708

-Adirondack Medical Center, Lake Colby Drive in Saranac Lake, offers blood testing by appointment. A physician referral is necessary. (518) 891-4141

-Alice Hyde Medical Center, 133 Park Street in Malone, offers both blood and rapid blood testing for walk-ins and by appointment. (518) 483-3000. Franklin County Public HealtServices, 355 West Main Street in Malone, offers blood and rapid blood testing by appointment. (518) 481-1710

-Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood, 222 West Main Street, Suite 1, in Malone, offers both blood and oral fluid testing and is available by appointment. (518) 483-7150

-Northern Adirondack Planned Parenthood-Saranac Lake, 52 Main Street, Suite 7, Saranac Lake, offers blood and oral fluid testing by appointment. 9518) 891-0046

- St. Regis Mohawk Health Services, 412 Rt. 37 Box 8A in Hogansburg, offers blood testing by appointment. (518) 358-3141