A 68-year-old widowed patient was admitted to the hospital for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.She was recently diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).She had repeated respiratory infections over the previous 2 years,but only recently was tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).The most probable mode of transmission was from her husband,who passed away from pneumonia 11 months ago.She states,"I am so embarrassed.Old people like me do not get this disease." You respond to her based on the knowledge that:

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The number of older adults with HIV has increased significantly and is expected to continue to rise.Individuals age 50 and older account for 12% to 15% of AIDS cases in the United States.The number of AIDS cases in this age group has increased 22% since 1991.The number of individuals older than age 50 with AIDS continues to rise,especially in the Latino and African-American populations.The number is expected to increase.Women older than age 60 are the fastest growing group.Research shows that older adults are sexually active and are thus at risk for HIV/AIDS.

A 68-Year-Old Widowed Patient Was Admitted to the Hospital for Pneumocystis