The older generation of people with HIV need better support to keep them well, nurses say.

Man in his 50s (photo: Thinkstock)

About a quarter of the 100,000 people with HIV in the UK are aged over 50.

Two-thirds of these are on treatment for other long-term conditions – twice the rate for the general population, Terrence Higgins Trust data shows.

With people living for longer with HIV thanks to advances in treatment, nurses have reported they are seeing more patients with the condition seek help for conditions associated with old age.

Dr Mark Lawton, a sexual health consultant at Royal Liverpool Hospital, said there was some data which suggested that some people who worked in care homes had a negative attitude, and also that there was an “overwhelming lack of knowledge and understanding”.

“There are still problems – people not getting tested because they don’t think they’re at risk of getting HIV and HIV doesn’t discriminate and we shouldn’t,” he added.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “It’s unacceptable that people diagnosed with HIV should face any form of stigma, discrimination or prejudice.

“Older people diagnosed with HIV should be able to access any additional health and social care services they need to ensure they can live independent and fulfilled lives.”

Source: BBC