S. H. A. R. E HIV AND THE OLDER ADULT

•S eniors•H IV/AIDS

•A geing

•R isk •E ducation

SENIORS

• 15% of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases are over 50

• May have lost a spouse or a partner to death, separation after many years

• Maybe starting to date at the age of fifty

SENIORS

• Unfamiliar with prevention methods, may have given up condom use years ago

• May think a “close friend” is a safe partner You do not know partner’s sexual history

• Lack of information about HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections

H I V / A I D S 101H U M A N Only humans can contract HIV

I M M U N O D E F I C E N C YThe immune system is what protects us from disease and infections. Although it might take years, HIV weakens your immune system and you may be unable to fight off other diseases and/or infections

V I R U SHIV is a virus and presently there is no cure. With proper nutrition, exercise, healthy lifestyle and medication, HIV+ people may live for many years without developing AIDS

H I V / A I D S 101A q u i r e d • Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral)• Sharing of needles or other IDU drug use

paraphernalia & crack pipes • Vertical Transmission(during pregnancy, birth

or through breastfeeding) when Mom is HIV+

I m m u n o D e f i c e n c y S y n d r o m eBecause your immune system has been compromised, you will be susceptible to life-threatening infections. If you have a low CD4 cell count and one or more AIDS-defining illnesses you can be diagnosed as having AIDS

Routes of transmission

There are only three ways to contract HIV• Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral)• Sharing of needles or other paraphernalia

used for injection drug use• Vertical Transmission – during pregnancy or

during the birthing process when the mom is HIV +

• Note: Rates of transmission of mother to child have been reduced to less than 1% due to testing, treatment and care of mother during pregnancy

H I V / A I D S 101

H I V / A I D S 101Signs and Symptoms

• Swollen glands• Fatigue• Night sweats• Pink/reddish bumps in mouth or genitalia• Thrush• Fever • Persistent cough which may last for weeks• Sudden weight loss

H I V / A I D S 101You cannot contract HIV by:

• Sharing cutlery • Shaking hands• Hugging/kissing• Being in a sweat• Telephones/Doorknobs• Mosquitoes/other insects• Toilets seats• Or any other casual contact with someone who is

HIV/AIDS positive

A G E I N G

• General lack of knowledge about the ageing process

• Dramatic weight loss may be mistaken as age-related

• May have - cancer - arthritis - lung problems - heart disease - diabetes

A G E I N GInteraction with other medications

- Arthritis - High Blood Pressure

- Heart Issues - Tuberculosis - Diabetes - Hepatitis C - Cancer - Other Illnesses

May accelerate or reduce effectiveness of medications

R I S K

• Immune system which is naturally weakening as we age

• Many older adults received blood transfusions before 1985

• No longer afraid to become pregnant which may result in increased sexual desire and/or activity

• VIAGRA, CIALIS, LEVETRA are now available resulting in increased sexual activity

• Vaginal walls become thinner

• Microscopic tears / abrasions are created during sex

• Lubrication & elasticity is decreased which may also allow for small tears

• Over the years, ratio of women to men increases (4-5 women for every man). This may result in women putting themselves at risk in order to meet and/or keep a man. Or men having sex with a number of female partners.

R I S K

E D U C A T I O N

• Doctors often tend to dismiss HIV as a possible cause of older adult health complaints

• HIV/AIDS symptoms often mistaken for the aches and pains of ageing

• Misdiagnosis may lead to later diagnosis and the virus may be at an advanced stage

E D U C A T I O N

• Physicians need education around seniors and HIV so earlier diagnosis could lead to earlier treatment

• Support groups are often focused on younger populations and are less understanding of issues facing older adults

• There is a need for more specific services & information about HIV+ adults over fifty

E D U C A T I O N • Education - adults over 50 - doctors - health care providers• Traditions, values beliefs• Traditional healers• Traditional & western medicines• Elders

E D U C A T I O N

• Learn new skills - Healthy relationships - Negotiating condom use • Support groups• Advocacy

CONTACTINFORMATION

V I R G I N I A F O R S Y T H EOahas Regional Outreach & Support Services WorkerBOX 455 Cochrane, Ontario P0L 1C0Phone: 705 272 2522 Email: virginiaf@oahas.org