ARTIGO ORIGINAL / ORIGINAL ARTICLE / ORIGINALE Vulnerability to acquired immune deficiency syndrome in human perception of the elderly Vulnerabilidade a síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida humana na percepção dos idosos Vulnerabilidad a síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida humana en la percepción de los ancianos

Objective: Was to understand and analyze the perception of the elderly about thevulnerability to HIV / AIDS. Methodology: This is a field of study with a qualitative approach, carried out at the Social Commerce - SESC in Teresina - PI, with 15 individuals of both sexes. Results: Three categories were showed: AIDS as a disease of elderly people considered dangerous and contagious; The vulnerability does not show for not having more sex life; The perception of the elderly on measures for prevention of AIDS / HIV. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Conclusion: that while the elderly have the knowledge and perception to define AIDS as a disease dangerous and frightening, they do not use means to prevent. But a small proportion of the elderly believe that condoms are a safe way to avoid contamination. The lacks of campaigns and dialogues have been a major problem that has contributed to the increased incidence of HIV / AIDS in the elderly.