The growing number of people over age 50 with HIV requires research, policy, and practice to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the health consequences of HIV in older individuals. We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature published since 1996 to explore the impacts of aging on the health of older people with HIV (50 years or older). We included 209 studies (two systematic reviews, 174 quantitative studies, 28 qualitative studies, and five mixed methods studies). Health topics addressed include: HIV- and aging-related comorbidities, disease progression, neurocognitive functioning, mental health conditions, psychological well-being, social supports, stigma, antiretroviral adherence, health care utilization/access, and sexual risk behaviour. We recommend that future research takes a broader view of health, looks at aging from a strength-based perspective and examines the issue using diverse perspectives (i.e., geographic location, multiple methods, time of diagnosis, time on antiretroviral therapy (ART), demographic diversity).

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Evidence Informing the Intersection of HIV, Aging and Health: A Scoping Review

This paper reviews the evidence concerning the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a particular focus on older people Evidence from North America, Australia, China and Korea clearly shows increasing rates of many STIs in the population group aged 50 years and older Similar changes are identified in three studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa There is a significant lack of detailed epidemiological data from Asia-Pacific and many African countries There is also a lack of health education and health programmes directed towards older people It is likely that sexual ageism is the dynamic that underpins this lack of focus and resources for older people

STI epidemiology in the global older population: emerging challenges.

Background
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been scaled up by the Chinese government alongside persistent compulsory drug user detention, but the extent to which detention interferes with MMT is unknown. The study systematically reviews Chinese MMT retention rates, reasons for drop out, and behavioural changes.

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Methadone maintenance treatment participant retention and behavioural effectiveness in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose of review People are living longer and healthier lives. In recent years, there has been a focus on recognition of ongoing sexual activity among older adults and leading from this, the potential for an increase in diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data on STI rates, sexual behaviour and factors affecting susceptibility to STIs are discussed. Recent findings There is limited published literature in this field and few recent longitudinal studies of STI acquisition in people older than 50 years. Although there is evidence of an increase in incidence, STIs remain rare in older compared with younger populations. Compared with their heterosexual counterparts, older men who have sex with men are at higher risk of incident HIV and some other STIs. The HIV epidemic is ageing as a result of increasing life span and acquisition of HIV at older ages. Improved longevity, evolving societal norms and physiological changes may place older people at risk of HIV and other STIs. Summary Routine STI screening is not warranted in all older people. Education and prevention strategies for all people at greater risk of HIV, regardless of age are required. Age-appropriate interventions designed to impart knowledge and provide the requisite skills needed to reduce STI risk in older age would be beneficial.

Sexually transmitted infections in older populations.

This paper reviews the evidence concerning the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a particular focus on older people. Evidence from North America, Australia, China and Korea clearly shows increasing rates of many STIs in the population group aged 50 years and older. Similar changes are identified in three studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a significant lack of detailed epidemiological data from Asia-Pacific and many African countries. There is also a lack of health education and health programmes directed towards older people. It is likely that sexual ageism is the dynamic that underpins this lack of focus and resources for older people. IntroductIon It is quite common to find that when we combine the phrases ‘sex’, ‘older people’ and ‘risk for STI or HIV infections’ there is a reaction of surprise, disbelief, unease and embarrassment. Is it because society believes that older people do not have sex, do not have sexual desires and fantasies, and therefore they cannot be at risk of HIV or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Research has confirmed what older people have long known but have not traditionally talked about or fought for recognition: age typically does not eliminate or diminish the need and desire for sex. A recent study in the USA shows that while sexual activity does decline with advancing age, almost three quarters (73%) of respondents aged 57–64 were sexually active. In the 65–74 age group, more than half (53%) were still having sex, and in the 75–85 age group, more than a quarter (26%) were having sex.

STI epidemiology in the global older population: Emerging

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Liu Feng Yuan

Papers

Sexually transmitted infections among individuals over fifty years of age in China.