HIV affects people along the lifespan, and yet prevention in older adults is often overlooked. This chapter explores HIV prevention strategies for older adults and their specific health vulnerabilities, health and well-being assets. First, the chapter outlines older adulthood health and well-being considerations with HIV, the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, and the burdens of living with HIV. Second, the chapter discusses older adult HIV risk factors, such as lack of awareness, coexisting conditions and biological predispositions, stigma and isolation, and sexual behavior. Third, it considers burdens to HIV prevention with older adults from a lack of targeted resources, cultural and social barriers, severity of disease, and gender dynamics. Fourth, preventive strategies and support systems by psychosocial and environmental aspects of strategies for HIV prevention and health promotion are examined by their perceived benefits with age-appropriate resources and information. Advocacy-oriented approaches are also considered including community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles. Finally, implications for future research, practice, and policy addressing geriatric HIV prevention services are discussed. Based on these considerations, inclusive HIV healthcare systems that recognize and control for the specific challenges faced by this vulnerable population are needed.

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Older Persons and HIV Prevention

  • Magen Mhaka-Mutepfa,
  • Refilwe Pearl Mogomotsi,
  • Elias Mpofu

摘要

HIV affects people along the lifespan, and yet prevention in older adults is often overlooked. This chapter explores HIV prevention strategies for older adults and their specific health vulnerabilities, health and well-being assets. First, the chapter outlines older adulthood health and well-being considerations with HIV, the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, and the burdens of living with HIV. Second, the chapter discusses older adult HIV risk factors, such as lack of awareness, coexisting conditions and biological predispositions, stigma and isolation, and sexual behavior. Third, it considers burdens to HIV prevention with older adults from a lack of targeted resources, cultural and social barriers, severity of disease, and gender dynamics. Fourth, preventive strategies and support systems by psychosocial and environmental aspects of strategies for HIV prevention and health promotion are examined by their perceived benefits with age-appropriate resources and information. Advocacy-oriented approaches are also considered including community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles. Finally, implications for future research, practice, and policy addressing geriatric HIV prevention services are discussed. Based on these considerations, inclusive HIV healthcare systems that recognize and control for the specific challenges faced by this vulnerable population are needed.