For decades, Mzee Juma* lived a life that many would consider careful and uneventful. A father of six and a grandfather of 10, he spent much of his life offering guidance to younger generations. “I would sit them down and tell them, ‘Be careful, this disease is real,’” he recalls. Yet, at the age of 74, he was confronted with a shocking diagnosis one he never imagined could apply to him.
Juma is part of a small but growing group of elderly Kenyans who contract HIV later in life, despite having lived most of their years free of the virus. According to the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, among the 16,752 Kenyans who contracted HIV in 2023, nearly 100 were 60 years and older, with at least six being over 75 years old.
In Kenya, HIV discussions often focus on young people, who account for about 40% of new infections. Public health campaigns, school programs, and awareness initiatives largely target youth, leaving the older generation overlooked. This gap in attention means that older adults, like Juma, may not consider themselves at risk.
Juma recalls visiting a clinic in Nairobi for what he thought was a persistent flu and a stubborn stomach issue. When nurses suggested an HIV test, he laughed it off. “I thought HIV was for young people—my children’s generation, not mine,” he admits.
The moment he received his test results, his world turned upside down. “You are HIV positive,” the doctor told him. Stunned, Juma struggled to process the news. His family, equally shocked, grappled with disbelief. “How could this happen?” they asked.
Older adults with HIV are rarely discussed in Kenya. The assumption that the elderly are not sexually active contributes to this silence, yet the reality is different. Many elderly individuals engage in sexual relationships, especially after losing a spouse or remarrying. Others form new companionships in their later years, seeking emotional and physical closeness.
Despite this, safe sex practices among the elderly are uncommon. Since pregnancy is no longer a concern, condom use is often neglected. Additionally, societal norms discourage conversations about sexual health among the elderly, leaving many uninformed about their risks.
Juma’s case highlights a broader issue: many older people are diagnosed at a late stage, often when their immune system is already weakened. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that in 2021, 34% of people aged 55 and above in the U.S. had late-stage HIV (AIDS) at the time of their diagnosis. This pattern suggests that many elderly individuals live with the virus for years before realizing it.
Symptoms of HIV in older adults can be mistaken for signs of aging or other health conditions, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses. Late detection means a late start to treatment, which can have severe health consequences.
Beyond the medical challenges, elderly individuals with HIV face intense stigma and isolation. Unlike younger generations, who often have access to peer support groups and awareness campaigns, older adults struggle in silence. Families may react with shock, shame, or disbelief, making it difficult for elderly patients to seek help.
Nelson Otwoma, executive director of the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, notes that elderly patients often lack platforms to share their experiences. “For young people, there are support groups and campaigns,” he says. “But for the elderly, they suffer in silence, sometimes avoiding treatment altogether because they feel too ashamed to explain their diagnosis.”
This stigma can prevent elderly patients from seeking timely medical care, worsening their health outcomes. Without support networks or community awareness, many end up battling the disease alone.
Juma’s story is a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities. HIV prevention and treatment strategies must include all age groups, including the elderly. Routine HIV testing should be encouraged for older adults, and healthcare workers should be trained to discuss HIV risks with elderly patients without bias.
More importantly, society must work towards eliminating the stigma surrounding HIV in older adults. Public awareness campaigns should extend beyond youth-focused messaging to include seniors, emphasizing that HIV is not limited to any particular age group.
For Juma, acceptance and treatment have been difficult, but he remains hopeful. “This is not how I expected my life to turn out,” he says. “But I have to face it, just like anyone else.” His journey highlights the need for greater awareness and support for elderly individuals living with HIV, ensuring they receive the care and dignity they deserve.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
