The objective of this study was to understand the life experience of elderly people with the human immunodeficiency syndrome acquired, enrolled on a unit known for reference in the System of Health at metropolitan region of Belém/PA. The approach was qualitative, applying the content analysis technique in 13 elderly. The ages were from 60 to 92 years; six of them were widowed, two married and five singles; It took 02 months to 15 years to discover the disease. The analysis categories are the affective relations, the social isolation, suppor t program, work environment and retirement. The study showed the complexity for the elderly dealing with an incurable disease, feelings were revealed in addition to disorders of loneliness and self-image, resulting in the need to reveal it to the family. This vulnerability also brings important implications for the collective health and nursing, when searching for information strategies and protection to the elderly.
Aged; AIDS; Nursing