The population of people aged 50 and over represents a significant proportion of people living with HIV in Western nations. While the number of older people living with HIV is rapidly increasing in Canada, research originating in this country remains relatively scarce. This article therefore proposes to describe the impact of the intersection of HIV and ageing on the identities and lived experiences of people living with HIV of 50 and over (PLHIV50+), both on an individual and social level, in order to offer a picture of their lived experience. Using a phenomenological approach, nine semi-structured individual interviews with PLHIV50+ (men and women) were undertaken. Data analysis identified several central themes which constituted the essence of their experience of the intersection of HIV and ageing, such as the experience of premature ageing, the impact of HIV on intergenerational relationships, the shrinking of one's social network, rejection experienced by the older population, a difficult return to work and a deterioration in living conditions. The results of this research highlight the many challenges faced by PLHIV50+, on physical, relational, work and economic levels. Even though some of the problems faced by PLHIV50+ were related to the experience of corporal changes and a deterioration of health, our research was able to highlight the societal and structural factors underlying the stigma of HIV and ageing.
This is the author manuscript accepted for publication and has undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as
Using an adapted phenomenological approach, the current study explores older women's stories about the ways in which providing care to their spouse or partner has affected their sexual and intimate lives. Findings suggest that older women's sexual identities and experiences of sexuality are marked by both ageist constructions of ''older woman as asexual'' and loss of self associated with taking on the role of caregiver. Findings also suggest that women resist these constructions of self through the development of other forms of intimacy in their lives. Suggestions for increasing opportunities to address women's realities in service provision are highlighted.
Medical and social science research on older adults living with HIV (OAHIV) has shed light on the significant health needs and the many psychosocial difficulties experienced by this population. Despite the obvious need for health and social care services among OAHIV, few studies have addressed their experiences with regard to these resources. This study attempts to identify the challenges, difficulties and gaps found within social and health services intended for those located at the intersection of HIV and aging. Using a qualitative methodology, this study explores the perspectives of both older adults living with HIV (OAHIV) and their healthcare providers in order to document gaps in service delivery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 participants, including 38 OAHIV and 12 healthcare providers working with this population. Analysis was undertaken to identify themes related to challenges at individual and structural levels of practice. Several challenges were identified including; a) within the individual healthcare encounter with HIV specialists, b) accessing non-HIV related health services, and c) a lack of psychosocial resources, HIV community resources and residential resources addressing the intersection of HIV and aging. Interpreting our results through the theoretical lens of intersectionality helped identify transversal problems associated with the intersection of HIV and aging including inadequacy of resources and discrimination. Recommendations for changes to policy and practice are highlighted.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.