Everyone talks about AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), but few talk about how AIDS affects older people. No wonder so many older adults think they are not at risk. 

The truth is that 11 percent of all new AIDS cases are now in people age 50 and over. And in the last few years, new AIDS cases rose faster in middle-age and older people than in people under 40.

HIV is spread when body fluids, such as semen and blood, pass from a person who has the infection to another person. For the most part, the virus is spread by sexual contact or by sharing drug needles and syringes. 

In older people, sexual activity is the most common cause of HIV infection. Second is blood transfusions received before 1985. Since 1985, blood banks have been testing all blood for HIV, so there is now little danger of getting HIV from transfusions. 

Is AIDS Different in Older People?

The immune system normally gets weaker with age, but this decline is faster in older AIDS patients. They usually become sick and die sooner than younger patients. 

It may be harder to recognize AIDS in older people. Early symptoms of AIDS--feeling tired, confused, having a loss of appetite, and swollen glands--are like other illnesses common in older people. Health professionals may assume these are signs of minor problems. 

The prevention and treatment of AIDS has not different from other ages. Older AIDS patients often may not have anyone to take care of them, so the aged who cause HIV infection should stay in touch with a doctor who knows about the latest research. Help is available  too from local groups in some cases and from the Social Security Administration.