A recent study done in England has found that when those over 50 are diagnosed with HIV they tend to be diagnosed later in the stage of the disease and die sooner than those who are diagnosed under age 50. Although there are not that many Britons diagnosed with HIV after age 50, the number is increasing more quickly in the older set as compared to those under 50.

Another study found that men who used drugs such as Viagra and Cialis for erectile dysfunction were twice as likely to become infected with sexually transmitted diseases as those who did not use the medication. The medication most likely did not cause the increase, but rather the increased frequency and numbers of partners that caused the infections.

The soaring divorce rates as well as the ability to be sexually active into our golden years is probably contributing to the increase in HIV disease. Although birth control is no longer an issue for the baby boomers and beyond, it is still important to practice safe sex including the use of condoms. If you are out in the dating world regardless of your age you need to have an HIV test yearly. The reason? The earlier HIV is found the better chance you have for a normal healthy lifespan. Remember this! Achieving a ripe old age does not protect you from HIV or any STD for that matter. Heed the advice that many of us tell our kids, ” be safe, and always use condoms!”

24 August 2010 – Volume 24 – Issue 13 – p 2109–2115
doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e32833c7b9c
Epidemiology and Social