Necessary Actions

Necessary Actions

• Specific programs must be implemented for older adults, especially women, who need to be informed about the transmission and prevention of HIV.
• Outreach should include workshops and trainings devoted to basic HIV/AIDS information, "safe" sexual and drug-using practices, testing, negotiation skills -- all in relationship to aging.
• More research is needed to study seniors' sexual and drug-using behaviors and to determine HIV disease progression and treatments in the over-50 population.
• Healthcare and service providers on all levels should be educated on HIV risk behaviors and symptoms of HIV infection; they need to conduct thorough sex and drug-use risk assessments with their older clients/patients.
• Programs aimed at reaching healthcare and service providers should cover misdiagnoses, testing technologies, treatments, support groups, case management, and the importance of being actively involved in the health and well-being of their older clients/patients.
• Successful media and social marketing campaigns can raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in older people and reinforce the need for educational programs, while promoting respect and validation for the elderly as a group.