Broward County Health Department: To promote and protect the health and safety of all persons in Broward County through the delivery of quality public health services
AIDS/HIV Program
SHIP: Seniors HIV Intervention Project

Findings in Older Adults (Fifty and Over)

  • Older adults are not being tested for HIV as readily as other age groups. Therefore, the number of AIDS cases may be under reported. For example, an older married couple asked their doctor for an HIV test. The doctor refused to test because he felt that they were not at risk.
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  • Some physicians are not asking their older patients about behaviors that may put them at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, in general, older adults are being diagnosed with the virus in the late stage of the disease, or not at all.
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  • Some of the early symptoms of HIV disease mimic the processes of aging. This also contributes to misdiagnosis of the older adult.
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  • Some adults do not know that HIV can infect an older person. They think it is a young persons' disease.
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  • A very common incorrect thought among older adults is any blood test will detect HIV infection. When blood is given for any reason, the belief is that the test is all-inclusive and will detect HIV.
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  • Contrary to myths and stereotypes, older adults are sexually active. Many continue to be sexually active into their late seventies and eighties. New medications for impotence and enhanced sexual pleasure contribute to increased sexual activity.
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  • In general, sexually active older adults do not use condoms.
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  • Some older adults use the services of commercial sex workers.
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  • The ratio of men to women in South Florida is about 1 to 7. In many senior condominium communities, residents state that the condo "Casanova" is very active. The sexual activity of these "Casanovas" place them and their partners at high risk for infection and transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
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  • Many couples retire to warmer climates. After the death of a partner, it is not uncommon for the survivor to establish new relationships. These include friendships, love, and sex.
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  • Many older gay and straight men seek companionship and sexual partners in gay bars. The older man may feel safer in a gay bar or club versus picking up a commercial sex worker on the street.
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  • Older adults, many of whom are on fixed incomes, share needles for prescription medications, such as insulin, in order to save money.
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  • Some older adults abuse drugs, alcohol and other substances; these behaviors impair judgment and increase the risk for other health problems including infection with HIV.
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  • Some commercial sex workers entice their older clients to practice substance abuse for the purpose of paying for the drug or alcohol.
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  • HIV/AIDS prevention interventions for the older adult cannot be ignored. Nationally, they are the fastest growing segment of the population.
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  • Prevention education for this age group must target all ethnic groups.
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  • When informed about HIV/AIDS, older adults can have a positive impact on prevention interventions with younger generations including their children, grandchildren, and neighborhood children.
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  • Support groups for older people also offer opportunities for primary and secondary prevention.

Contact SHIP (954) 467-4779

  • for a Presentationn
  • for information (support groups, testing)
  • to become a volunteer