Older adults living with HIV face new health challenges beyond viral suppression, South Korean study finds

Older adults with HIV are encountering health management challenges as they age, despite achieving stable HIV treatment, according to new research from South Korea examining the experiences of those aged 50 and older living with the disease.

The qualitative study, published in BMC Public Health, interviewed 12 participants with an average age of 58 years who had been living with HIV for an average of 19 years. While all participants maintained undetectable viral loads through consistent medication adherence, researchers identified significant obstacles in managing their overall health as they aged.

As they grew older, participants were diagnosed with additional chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and dental problems. However, participants faced substantial barriers when seeking treatment outside infectious disease departments. Some hospitals refused to perform surgeries, and participants reported being turned away after HIV-positive blood tests, forcing them to seek care at university hospitals for even minor conditions like nasal allergies.

Mental health emerged as a top concern, with participants citing it as one of the most pressing health issues they face. The study found that living alone and feeling isolated made it challenging for participants to recognize their mental health struggles. Additionally, participants expressed difficulty receiving appropriate counseling because experts lacked understanding of HIV or sexual minorities.

Social isolation presented another significant challenge for older adults with HIV. Most participants (83%) lived alone with shrinking social networks, often being excluded from broader social circles including friends and family. Citing prior research, the study noted that 45% of people living with HIV in Korea have been unable to disclose their infection status.

Long-term care options remain severely limited, with only one to two facilities available for people living with HIV, and those facilities were described as being in poor condition. Participants expressed fear about developing dementia or other age-related disabilities that could affect their ability to live independently.

The researchers concluded that while HIV treatment has stabilized for this population, new health problems due to aging and difficulties in health management across physical, mental, and social aspects have emerged, requiring comprehensive intervention approaches.

By Donna Shryer