HIV affects people along the life span, and yet prevention in older adults is often overlooked. This chapter explores HIV prevention strategies for older adults and their specific health vulnerabilities and health and well-being assets. First, the chapter outlines the concept of older adulthood and health and well-being considerations with HIV, the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, and the burdens of living with HIV. Second, risk factors, such as lack of awareness, co-existing conditions and biological predispositions, stigma and isolation, and sexual behavior, are analyzed. Third, burdens to prevention, lack of targeted resources, cultural and social barriers, severity of disease, and gender dynamics are assessed. Fourth, barriers to prevention, lack of targeted resources, cultural and social barriers, severity of health conditions, and gender dynamics are examined. Fifth, preventive strategies and support systems are explored. These include psycho-social aspects, environmental aspects, perceived benefits, scarcity of age-appropriate resources and information, strategies for HIV prevention and health promotion, advocating for the adoption of safer sexual practices, advocacy of inclusion, community engagement, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Finally, implications for future research, practice, and policy addressing geriatric services are discussed. Stakeholders should work together to create an inclusive HIV healthcare environment that recognizes and controls the specific challenges faced by this population.

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Older Persons’ and HIV Prevention

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

摘要

HIV affects people along the life span, and yet prevention in older adults is often overlooked. This chapter explores HIV prevention strategies for older adults and their specific health vulnerabilities and health and well-being assets. First, the chapter outlines the concept of older adulthood and health and well-being considerations with HIV, the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, and the burdens of living with HIV. Second, risk factors, such as lack of awareness, co-existing conditions and biological predispositions, stigma and isolation, and sexual behavior, are analyzed. Third, burdens to prevention, lack of targeted resources, cultural and social barriers, severity of disease, and gender dynamics are assessed. Fourth, barriers to prevention, lack of targeted resources, cultural and social barriers, severity of health conditions, and gender dynamics are examined. Fifth, preventive strategies and support systems are explored. These include psycho-social aspects, environmental aspects, perceived benefits, scarcity of age-appropriate resources and information, strategies for HIV prevention and health promotion, advocating for the adoption of safer sexual practices, advocacy of inclusion, community engagement, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Finally, implications for future research, practice, and policy addressing geriatric services are discussed. Stakeholders should work together to create an inclusive HIV healthcare environment that recognizes and controls the specific challenges faced by this population.