Older age HIV

Q: What age is the cut-off age usually defined for "HIV infections in older adults"? - Select one

A) ≥50 years

B) ≥60 years

C) ≥65 years

D) ≥70 years

Answer: A

As patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are living almost as normal life expectancy as the general population, geriatric care with HIV has itself become a subspecialty of HIV treatment. So far, age ≥50 remains a defining cutoff for such care. Interestingly, more and more patients are getting diagnosed with HIV above this age due to a "taking life easy" attitude and conventional belief that they may have passed the age of practicing protected sex.

HIV care at this age remains complicated due to higher age-related comorbidities and higher risks of polypharmacy. Cumulating older age with HIV also creates a higher risk for malignancy. Other areas include the complex management of different body organs such as bone, liver, and lungs and hormonal changes. 

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References:

1. Wing EJ. HIV and aging. Int J Infect Dis. 2016 Dec;53:61-68. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.10.004. Epub 2016 Oct 15. PMID: 27756678.

2. Autenrieth CS, Beck EJ, Stelzle D, et al. Global and regional trends of people living with HIV aged 50 and over: Estimates and projections for 2000-2020. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207005.

3. Li N, Zheng HY, He WQ, He XY, Li R, Cui WB, Yang WL, Dong XQ, Shen ZQ, Zheng YT. Treatment outcomes amongst older people with HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy. AIDS. 2024 May 1;38(6):803-812. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003831. Epub 2024 Jan 12. PMID: 38578958; PMCID: PMC10994140.