The increasing incidence and prevalence of HIV in the older adults needs to serve as a reminder to nurses, healthcare providers, and public health officials that holistic care should be the goal for our population regardless of their age and life style. Information regarding HIV and AIDS is widely available by the media for young people but must be directed at the population as a whole, as this virus affects the population as a whole. For individual healthcare providers, a sexual and social history needs to be obtained and discussed with all patients in a confidential, nonjudgemental and caring manner. A few leading questions could initiate an important discussion that an older person may have wanted to have but did not know how to begin the often difficult and sensitive conversation. If by initiating this coversation and providing a subsequent educational opportunity prevents even one person from getting HIV, it is worthwhile and has contributed not only to the quantity and quality of life for a single patient, but contributed to the health of society as a whole.

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