Last week, CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics issued a 32-page report entitled “Health Characteristics of Adults Aged 55 Years and Over: United States, 2004–2007.”The report summarizes overall health status, health care access and use, and a range of health behaviors among persons 55 years and older. It also provides information about a number of specific health conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hearing and vision impairment, loss of natural teeth, psychological stress, and difficulty maintaining physical of social function. The CDC researchers found significant health disparities, particularly among older persons who live near or below the poverty line.
Sadly, the words ‘HIV’, ‘AIDS’, or ‘hepatitis’ are not mentioned even once in the entire report. I was both surprised and disappointed by these omissions. Fully one-quarter of HIV-infected Americans are age 50 or older. This proportion is likely to increase in coming years, in part, as a result of advances in HIV treatment that have made it possible for many people to live with the virus for decades. The improved health and increasing longevity of persons living with HIV are great news, but should not be a cause for complacency. Here are a few sobering facts: One-sixth of newly reported U.S. cases of HIV and AIDS occur among persons over 50. Older persons with HIV are often diagnosed late – when they have already become seriously ill as result of a weakened immune system. In Massachusetts, the highest rates of late HIV diagnosis - more than 40% - are seen in persons over 50. Late diagnosis and treatment are a major concern, because they are linked to poorer health outcomes, including a higher risk of death.
Why does this happen? There are probably several reasons. Many older persons are unaware that they are at risk for HIV. Likewise, many healthcare providers fail to discuss risk behaviors with their older patients, perhaps as a result of personal discomfort talking about sex and drug use with their elders or because they mistakenly assume that older persons have little, if any, HIV risk.I think the failure of the new CDC report to discuss HIV and viral hepatitis represents a missed opportunity. It is important to raise awareness among persons over 50, their providers, and the general public about the significant and growing impact that HIV, hepatitis, and related health conditions are having on older persons. Culturally appropriate programs are needed to reduce new infections among persons over 50, diagnose HIV and hepatitis before people become seriously ill, and ensure timely access to care so that older persons gain the full benefit of today’s HIV and hepatitis treatments.
Sadly, the words ‘HIV’, ‘AIDS’, or ‘hepatitis’ are not mentioned even once in the entire report. I was both surprised and disappointed by these omissions. Fully one-quarter of HIV-infected Americans are age 50 or older. This proportion is likely to increase in coming years, in part, as a result of advances in HIV treatment that have made it possible for many people to live with the virus for decades. The improved health and increasing longevity of persons living with HIV are great news, but should not be a cause for complacency. Here are a few sobering facts: One-sixth of newly reported U.S. cases of HIV and AIDS occur among persons over 50. Older persons with HIV are often diagnosed late – when they have already become seriously ill as result of a weakened immune system. In Massachusetts, the highest rates of late HIV diagnosis - more than 40% - are seen in persons over 50. Late diagnosis and treatment are a major concern, because they are linked to poorer health outcomes, including a higher risk of death.
Why does this happen? There are probably several reasons. Many older persons are unaware that they are at risk for HIV. Likewise, many healthcare providers fail to discuss risk behaviors with their older patients, perhaps as a result of personal discomfort talking about sex and drug use with their elders or because they mistakenly assume that older persons have little, if any, HIV risk.I think the failure of the new CDC report to discuss HIV and viral hepatitis represents a missed opportunity. It is important to raise awareness among persons over 50, their providers, and the general public about the significant and growing impact that HIV, hepatitis, and related health conditions are having on older persons. Culturally appropriate programs are needed to reduce new infections among persons over 50, diagnose HIV and hepatitis before people become seriously ill, and ensure timely access to care so that older persons gain the full benefit of today’s HIV and hepatitis treatments.