Little research can be found describing social aspects of aging with human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Canada specifically, despite an overall increase in an aging population and increased numbers of those aging with HIV/AIDS. A systematic literature review was conducted with a selective focus on social aspects related to older adults who are living with or at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. The primary themes that emerged in the literature are ageism and stigma, gender, mental health, and social supports. Recommendations for future research regarding prevention and education of risks for older adults and programming suitable for a wide range of audiences are presented.

This article examines the living situations and access to social support for community-dwelling people between the ages of 50 and 65, and who have lived with significant physical impairment for more than 15 years. Data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with eight men and women. Findings suggest that coping with long-term impairment may be a lonely experience when the individual lacks a strong network of family and/or friends to offer emotional support. Participants felt their experiences of aging with significant long-term impairment were improved when they shared thoughts, feelings, and problems with others. Findings also show the significance of gender regarding access to social support and point towards the importance of using subjective understanding when ascertaining the level of social support available to individuals. More generally, findings underscore the broader point that individuals aging with impairments are immersed in and wish to maintain reciprocal relationships.