1. S. H. A. R. E HIV AND THE OLDER ADULT

2. S eniors H IV/AIDS A geing R isk E ducation

3. SENIORS 15% of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases are over 50 May have lost a spouse or a partner to death, separation after many years Maybe starting to date at the age of fifty

4. SENIORS Unfamiliar with prevention methods, may have given up condom use years ago May think a “close friend” is a safe partner You do not know partner’s sexual history Lack of information about HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections

5. H I V / A I D S 101 H U M A N Only humans can contract HIV I M M U N O D E F I C E N C Y The immune system is what protects us from disease and infections. Although it might take years, HIV weakens your immune system and you may be unable to fight off other diseases and/or infections V I R U S HIV is a virus and presently there is no cure. With proper nutrition, exercise, healthy lifestyle and medication, HIV+ people may live for many years without developing AIDS

6. H I V / A I D S 101 A q u i r e d Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral) Sharing of needles or other IDU drug use paraphernalia & crack pipes Vertical Transmission(during pregnancy, birth or through breastfeeding) when Mom is HIV+ I m m u n o D e f i c e n c y S y n d r o m e Because your immune system has been compromised, you will be susceptible to life-threatening infections. If you have a low CD4 cell count and one or more AIDS- defining illnesses you can be diagnosed as having AIDS

7. Routes of transmission There are only three ways to contract HIV Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, oral) Sharing of needles or other paraphernalia used for injection drug use Vertical Transmission – during pregnancy or during the birthing process when the mom is HIV + Note: Rates of transmission of mother to child have been reduced to less than 1% due to testing, treatment and care of mother during pregnancy H I V / A I D S 101

8. H I V / A I D S 101 Signs and Symptoms Swollen glands Fatigue Night sweats Pink/reddish bumps in mouth or genitalia Thrush Fever Persistent cough which may last for weeks Sudden weight loss

9. H I V / A I D S 101 You cannot contract HIV by: Sharing cutlery Shaking hands Hugging/kissing Being in a sweat Telephones/Doorknobs Mosquitoes/other insects Toilets seats Or any other casual contact with someone who is HIV/AIDS positive

10. A G E I N G General lack of knowledge about the ageing process Dramatic weight loss may be mistaken as age-related May have - cancer - arthritis - lung problems - heart disease - diabetes

11. A G E I N G Interaction with other medications - Arthritis- High Blood Pressure - Heart Issues - Tuberculosis - Diabetes - Hepatitis C - Cancer - Other Illnesses May accelerate or reduce effectiveness of medications

12. R I S K Immune system which is naturally weakening as we age Many older adults received blood transfusions before 1985 No longer afraid to become pregnant which may result in increased sexual desire and/or activity VIAGRA, CIALIS, LEVETRA are now available resulting in increased sexual activity

13. Vaginal walls become thinner Microscopic tears / abrasions are created during sex Lubrication & elasticity is decreased which may also allow for small tears Over the years, ratio of women to men increases (4- 5 women for every man). This may result in women putting themselves at risk in order to meet and/or keep a man. Or men having sex with a number of female partners. R I S K

14. E D U C A T I O N Doctors often tend to dismiss HIV as a possible cause of older adult health complaints HIV/AIDS symptoms often mistaken for the aches and pains of ageing Misdiagnosis may lead to later diagnosis and the virus may be at an advanced stage

15. E D U C A T I O N Physicians need education around seniors and HIV so earlier diagnosis could lead to earlier treatment Support groups are often focused on younger populations and are less understanding of issues facing older adults There is a need for more specific services & information about HIV+ adults over fifty

16. E D U C A T I O N Education - adults over 50 - doctors - health care providers Traditions, values beliefs Traditional healers Traditional & western medicines Elders

17. E D U C A T I O N Learn new skills - Healthy relationships - Negotiating condom use Support groups Advocacy

18. CONTACT INFORMATION V I R G I N I A F O R S Y T H E Oahas Regional Outreach & Support Services Worker BOX 455 Cochrane, Ontario P0L 1C0 Phone: 705 272 2522 Email: virginiaf@oahas.orgvirginiaf@oahas.org