The increasing incidence of HIV / Aids in the population over 50 grows as in any other age group, emerging as a challenge to Brazil for the establishment of public policies and strategies that ensure the scope of preventive measures and improving the quality of life of these people. This study aims to understand the reasons for this increase, as indicated by a non-systematic review of the literature from 1999 to 2009. The searches occurred in the databases LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO, institutional publications of the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization The vulnerability of the elderly to HIV / Aids has been related to factors such as the invisibility of gender in aging; ongoing demystification of sexuality in old age, coupled with increased access to medicines for erectile disorders and the participation of older people living in groups, small adherence of elderly men to male condoms; and delayed prevention policies directed at this age group. The integral approach helps understand the disease process, especially in the individual with HIV, who experiences prejudice, stigma and discrimination, challenging the strategies to prevent new infections and more appropriate healthcare actions. Health professionals should perceive older people as vulnerable to the risk of HIV infection and that their peculiarities are reflected in the preventive and health care actions in the context of integral health care for the elderly.
Elderly; HIV; Aids; Vulnerability; Sexuality; Integrality