Adults 50 and Older Account for Increased Proportion of HIV/AIDS Cases

Adults aged 50 and older account for increasing proportions of prevalent and new HIV/AIDS cases, researchers report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Using the CDC's HIV/AIDS Reporting System, researchers examined trends in HIV/AIDS cases in New Jersey from 1992 through 2003/2004.
In 1992, people aged 50 and older accounted for 6% of all prevalent HIV/AIDS cases in the state; by 2004, this had increased to 26%. In addition, although the incidence declined in older adults, they accounted for a significantly greater proportion of new cases in 2003 than in 1992 (18% vs. 6%).
The authors conclude: "The older age group needs targeted HIV prevention education." Noting the important role of healthcare providers, they say that "thorough sex and drug risk assessments should be part of routine care for these patients," and "those at risk should be offered HIV counseling and testing."