HIV/ AIDS in US amongst the adults aged 55 and above



HIV/ AIDS in US amongst the adults aged 55 and above

Introduction

Older population is most impacted by the infection of HIV/AIDS; especially people at the age of 55 and above are at risk for HIV/AIDS as one-fourth of the US population is above 50 years of age. One reason may be the older people do not get HIV/AIDS tests on a regular basis as observed in few cases. While, there are several factors that contribute towards the increase of this infection such as the rational and ethical factors, social and cultural changes in lifestyles, rapidly increasing gay population, heterosexuality and harmful drug usage (CDA Fact Sheet, 2012). Other minor factors may be responsible communities neglect the elders for providing them prevention messages and educating about the infection as the younger. The elders are less likely to share their sex lives, and drugs usages as compared to younger. The doctors also do not usually ask elders about their sex lives. The older people are more likely to mistake the symptoms of HIV/AIDS as the natural aging factor (National Institute on Aging, 2012).

HIV Infection in African Community of US

Demography of the People

US population comprises of 13% people with the age of 65 years or above; also this percentage may increase in 2030 by 20%. In 2015, about 50% of the population aged 50 years and above expects to suffer by HIV/AIDS. Current studies, researches and health center reports, provide complete guidelines to control the affects of the disease as well as propose prevention, and offer recommendations for all individuals to have HIV tests and screening regularly. The purpose this study is to assess and evaluate the occurrence, factors and barriers to control HIV infections in older adults.

According to the Census of 2000, 12.3% of the population is African Americans out of which 37% of the community members are HIV/AIDS infected. Although people consider HIV/AIDS infection to impact the young individuals of 13 to 49 years of age, but the fact and figures project that HIV/AIDS is one of the causes of death among the older population of 45 to 64 years of age (Allen et al., 2002).

Also, HIV/AIDS leading as the ninth cause out of ten causes of the higher death rate in old population. Most of the efforts made against HIV/AIDS targeted the younger population. The prevention programs educating literature and other control programs often focus the youth up to 13 to 49 of age group. Thus, the elder population seems to be neglected. Nevertheless, Control and prevention programs for the elder groups are being design. The research Centers, specialists and responsible communities are working to educate the old populations. The African American, sadly comprises of the highest proportion amongst the infected over 50 (Adekeye et al., 2012).

Subculture of the elders of the African Community

Health issues for the African Americans

Factors contribute toward the poor health facilities and outcomes among the African Americans adults are the discrimination, the health practices, the cultural barriers, ...