For persons over 50 years of age, many of the risk factors for
HIV infection are the same as those for younger persons. Sexual
Risk Factors Many older adults are sexually active and thus are
as vulnerable as younger persons to acquiring HIV through sexual
transmission. A recent survey of sexual behavior among older
adults showed that 73% of persons aged 57–64 had had sex during
the past year, as had 53% of those aged 65–74 and 26% of those
aged 75–85 Older persons who are infected with HIV can spread
the disease to their sex partners. Older persons who are not
infected, especially those resuming sexual relations after a
divorce or the death of a partner, may not perceive themselves
as at risk for HIV and may not take preventive measures such as
using condoms or getting tested for HIV. Like younger persons,
older persons need to know their own HIV serostatus and that of
potential sex partners. Older women may be especially at risk
for HIV infection because age-related vaginal thinning and
dryness can lead to t