The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) record that nearly half of the total number of HIV people in the U.S. are fifty years and above ( Centers for Disease Control, 2019) . According to the CDC (2019) the number is likely to increase as more HIV people continue to use retroviral drugs. Treatment by the use of antiretroviral therapy and drugs is baring lots of fruits with a large number of people reaching over 65 years and above. Life-long medication is helping numerous people, both men and women, to live healthier and longer lives. However, many of these older adults are facing innumerable challenges health-wise from drugs and natural aging. The paper will look at research undertaken by three leading research bodies, persons, and organizations looking into HIV among older adults.
A research study carried out by Lynch, Britton, Harris, and Neundorfer aimed at identifying the main factors putting older HIV positive women's lives at risk to help advance preventive measures for older women. The research used a qualitative study and collected data through interviews. A total of 24 HIV positive women within the age bracket of 45 to 71 were formed the group under study (Neundorfer, Harris, Britton and Lynch, 2005). According to the findings, the researchers identified five main factors putting women at risk. They included a lack of knowledge on their partner's status, alcohol and drug abuse, mental health issues (life crises and sexual violence), and risk-taking to protect their relationship. It is essential to address HIV preventive measures in older women to prevent the rising number of HIV cases among older women (Neundorfer et al., 2005). The study put a great deal of consideration on psychological factors and women's general health status. With the rising number of older women in society, the research is very relevant as it helps highlight factors that can help in reducing new HIV infections.
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CATIE (Canada's source for HIV and Hepatitis C Information) undertook this study to identify the changing needs of HIV positive older members of society (Canada's source for HIV and Hepatitis C Information ) . The scholars from University of Waterloo, Ontario, together with the Public Health Agency of Canada, collected details from over one million participants. Only about one percent had HIV. The participants were evaluated based on three main settings; complex continuing care, long term care, and home care. Data was collected from the participants within six years through questionnaires and direct interviews. According to the findings, HIV among older members of society was further complicated with other health issues such as bacterial infection, tuberculosis, and pneumonia. Older adults were frequently on sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, andante-anxiety drugs. According to the research, isolation of older members who are HIV positive increased their depression levels and loneliness; thus, the study recommended closer medication services for older people who are HIV positive.
Research on Older Adults with HIV (ROAH) stands out as the most comprehensive study undertaken for older people living with HIV. The study was carried out to identify the unique needs of this group to provide insight into the objectives and work of ROAH. The research aimed at sustaining and improving the quality of life among older members of society (Fosnacht, 2013). The survey did not target any specific group of a neighborhood but worked in close association with private hospitals and databases from the agency. All participants had to be HIV positive and 50 years and above. A sample of 914 participants was engaged and taken through interviews, observation, and experimentation. Half of the participants were African Americans, a third Latino, and the others were whites and Asian or Pacific. Others were of multi-ethnic relations.
According to Novak (2018), HIV is experiencing rapid changes, with the older male population increasing at a very high rate. At the same time, older people require more support and socialization to help them live longer and maintain a positive attitude towards their health condition (Novak, 2018). Concerning rising trends in HIV, the research was very relevant as it highlighted the unique and basic needs of the older members of society.
References
Canada's source for HIV and Hepatitis C Information. (n.d.). HIV and Aging. Retrieved October 17, 2019, from https://www.catie.ca/en/hiv-canada/7/7-5.
Centers for Disease Control. (2019, September 25). U.S. Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/data-and-trends/statistics.
Fosnacht, A. M. (2013). Older Adults With HIV: An In-Depth Examination of an Emerging Population: Hauppague, NY: Nova Publishers, 127 pp., $117 (hardback).
Neundorfer, M. M., Harris, P. B., Britton, P. J., & Lynch, D. A. (2005). HIV-risk factors for midlife and older women. The Gerontologist , 45 (5), 617-625. https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/45/5/617/652580
Novak, M. (2018). Issues in aging . New York, NY: Routledge.
Older people with HIV face different long-term health challenges. (2016, March 23). Retrieved October 17, 2019, from https://www.catie.ca/en/catienews/2016-03-23/older-people-hiv-face-different-long-term-health-challenges.
