TL/DR –
In the United States, over half of those living with HIV are now aged 50 and older, thanks to advancements like antiretrovirals and pre-exposure anaphylaxis. However, survivors from the traumatic early HIV epidemic in the 1980s can carry emotional scars, with aging HIV patients having five times the rate of depression, higher rates of anxiety, and an estimated 31% experiencing isolation. Addressing disparities in care for geriatric HIV patients, who often feel overlooked in an ageist society, requires collaboration between geriatricians, HIV physicians, and pharmacies.
In America, Aging with HIV: A Continual Struggle
Over half of those living with HIV in the U.S. are now 50 or older. Although this reflects the success of treatments like antiretrovirals and preexposure prophylaxis, the emotional impact of the early HIV epidemic lingers. This trauma often results in emotional scars for survivors.
“Despite an initial delay in considering HIV in older persons, the majority started living longer once effective therapy was available. The current survival rate for anyone with HIV is about 85% of that of the general population,” stated Julian Falutz, M.D., a geriatrician and HIV provider at the McGill University Health Center.
Mental Health Challenges and Isolation
Nonetheless, aging with HIV comes with its unique challenges. “People aging with HIV have a five-times higher rate of depression, higher rates of anxiety, and around 31% experience isolation,” revealed John Hartigan, the project director of HIV and Aging for the New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute.
Geriatric HIV patients in America also face the burden of aging within an ageist society, where sexual health, among other aspects, is often overlooked.
The Importance of Discussing Sexual Health in Geriatric HIV Patients
Matt Russell, M.D., the acting section head of Palliative Medicine and Geriatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital, highlighted the importance of discussing sexual health. “Sex is always a part of the human experience. Many of our HIV patients still have an active sex life, but they often feel they’ve been dismissed due to their HIV status, particularly women,” shared Russell.
Hartigan emphasizes that collaboration between geriatricians, HIV physicians, and pharmacies is key to addressing these disparities among aging HIV patients.
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