Perceived barriers to social support from family and friends among older adults with HIV/AIDS

E. Schrimshaw, K. Siegel

Research has found that HIV-infected adults age 50 and older are more socially isolated than younger HIV-infected individuals. This study examines the perceived barriers to obtaining emotional and practical social support from friends and family among 63 older adults (age 50+) living with HIV/AIDS. Many reported they did not receive enough emotional support (42%) or practical assistance (27%). Barriers to obtaining support included: (1) nondisclosure of HIV status; (2) others_ fear of HIV/AIDS; (3) desire to be self-reliant and independent; (4) not wanting to be a burden; (5) unavailability of family; (6) death of friends to AIDS; and (7) ageism. These barriers may explain the greater social isolation of HIV-infected older adults and inform interventions targeted at reducing these barriers.