Because doctors don't tend to ask their older patients about sex or drug use. People age 50 and over may have had the virus for years before being tested. It is important to get tested early. The earlier you begin medical treatment, the better your chances for living longer. They may have more severe depression than younger people.
Older people are less likely to join support groups.
As the infection progresses, they will need help getting around and caring for themselves. Older people with AIDS need support and understanding from their doctors, family, friends, and community. Taking care of others can be mentally, physically, and financially draining. This is particularly true for older caregivers. Educators, health care workers, and community leaders need to inform and warn people about HIV - the dangers of having sex without a condom, the dangers of injecting drugs and using infected needles, and the importance of getting tested.