Incidence

About what percent of persons who are diagnosed with AIDS each year are aged 50 and over?

a. 1%
b. 5%
c. 10%
d. 25%

The correct answer is c.

Through June 2001, 86,875 Americans aged 50 and over have been diagnosed with AIDS. While annually, about 10% of new AIDS cases occur in persons aged 50 and over, 14% of all people living with AIDS are in this age group. Furthermore, the number of persons aged 65 and older diagnosed with AIDS has increased tenfold over the past decade.

Some Facts About HIV/AIDS in Adults Aged 50 and Over

The prevalence of AIDS among adults aged 50 and over is more than twice that of children and young adults through the age of 24.

Between 1998 and 2000, new cases of AIDS rose at a faster rate in the older population (16%) compared to persons aged 13-49 (12%).

The number of cases of AIDS in older women is increasing at a faster rate than in older men.

African-Americans and Hispanics account for more than 53% of all reported AIDS cases among persons aged 50 and over.

A copy of the latest HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is available online.