HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN OVER 50 - HOW THEY COPE

Healthcare providers may not understand the special issues and needs o f older persons with HIV. This article directs particular attention to the unique reactions of older women to an HIV-positive diagnosis. Thr ough their participation in a support group, some older HIV-positive w omen have been able to adapt to their illness with a variety of coping styles. Illustrations of the ways these women meet challenges both in dividually and as a group are presented. The article concludes with si mple messages from the women to the members of the medical community.