Abstract
Although HIV is still seen by many as a disease affecting younger adults, it is known that at least 11% of individuals with AIDS in Britain are over the age of 50. It is likely that this older age representation will continue and increase and whilst much is known about the psychological wellbeing of younger individuals with HIV, it is crucial that we consider the differing experiences and needs of older adults with the disease. Fifty-two adults with HIV over the age of 54 were referred to the Department of Psychological Medicine between June 1990 and December 1996. Data for these patients were compared with corresponding information for a random sample of younger patients with HIV. The older adults were found to differ significantly from the younger individuals on a variety of social, psychological and medical variables including social isolation, employment worries, sexuality, previous psychiatric history and stage of HIV at referral. It seems that current HIV services may actually alienate a significant proportion of potential users through not being sensitive to the needs and views of these older individuals. This must be addressed by policy makers and practitioners to ensure that psychiatric and psychological services become more acceptable and accessible to the older adult.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
