While many older adults with HIV are longtime

Introduction

While many older adults with HIV are longtime survivors, others are newly infected. Among people over 50, new diagnoses increased by 25% from 2006 to 2007. Since 2003, the number of newly diagnosed women 50 and older has gone up by 40%. Overall, people over 50 made up 15% of newly diagnosed cases of HIV in 2007, and almost 17% in the first half of 2008.

We must address the unique complications and challenges of aging with HIV. The fact that people with HIV are living into their 50s, 60s, and 70s is testament to the amazing success of HIV treatment. It is critical that policies address the particular needs of HIV-positive older adults.

Epidemiology

First and foremost, we need to know more about this population. Targeted research and data collection must be increased. This information is necessary to guide the development of prevention, treatment, and care protocols. For programs funded by Congress, the numbers are essential to show that the need exists. The Older Americans Act could provide funding and services for HIV-positive older adults as a "vulnerable population."

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) need to develop and expand research. The CDC's epidemiological data track the transmission and spread of HIV. This information is vital to understanding how HIV is affecting older adults. But current CDC surveillance systems do not break down the data in ways that are specific enough. They should be modified so that all data are consistently broken down by five-year age intervals, up to age 65. Additionally, risk factors for infection must be tracked for older adults. Behavioral data on HIV-positive older adults should also be collected by the NIH to understand what interventions will be effective