Middle-aged and older people with AIDS trends in National surveillance rates, transmission routes, and risk factors

This article explores the stability and changes in national trends related to AIDS rates, transmission routes, and risk factors from the mid- 1980s to 1997. The authors show that while the numbers of AIDS cases have grown dramatically for all age groups, the proportion of cases for persons age 50 and older (at diagnosis) has remained a fairly stable 10% of the total case load, resulting in more than 60,000 cases in 1997. Contrary to popular belief, the most prevalent transmission route for middle-aged and older people has always been through sexual contact. While middle-aged and older people may be at reduced risk compared to younger age groups, these data also reveal a disturbing trend. People age 50 and older continue to be less knowledgeable about AIDS risks, perceive themselves to be at lower risk, and, for those with known AIDS-related risks, have made fewer behavioral accommodations to avoid such risks as compared to younger people. With recent data indicating a faster rise in new AIDS cases among the 50-plus population, middle-aged and older people can no longer be ignored in AIDS prevention or treatment efforts.