Did you know that 46% of persons living with HIV are aged 50 and older? Improvements in treatment have helped many people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. In addition, new HIV infections continue to occur in older adults, many of whom may not realize they have the same HIV risk factors as younger people. As a result, older Americans are often at a more advanced stage of HIV when they are diagnosed. Routine HIV screening helps get older adults living with HIV into treatment, improving their health outcomes and reducing the potential for the virus to be transmitted to others.
On September 18, 2008, National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day was launched by The AIDS Institute in an effort to raise awareness due to the alarming increase in the number of older adults becoming infected with HIV as well as those older adults over 50 aging with HIV. The annual NHAAD theme is “Aging is a part of life; HIV doesn’t have to be!”
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day is the perfect time to talk about getting tested for HIV and, for those living with HIV, getting and staying in care. Share the below resources to learn about and bring awareness to the aging-related challenges of HIV prevention, testing, care, and treatment.
Resources
Older Adult Clients: Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, 2018 (January 2020): HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) Fact Sheet
Learn about older adult clients in the RWHAP in this fact sheet from HRSA. Of note,
- 46.1% of individuals getting RWHAP care are over 50 years old, similar to the age demographics of all Americans diagnosed with HIV
- 91.5% of those aged over 50 are virally suppressed, exceeding the RWHAP average of 87%.
NHAAD Social Media Toolkit (CDC)
CDC’s toolkit provides sample social media messages and graphics to use on National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Aging Healthy Toolkit and Newsletter (AIDS United)
This toolkit and newsletter features reports, infographics, webinars, and more related to aging with HIV.
Webinars
Physical Function Impairment in Older Adults with HIV: Causes, Consequences, & Interventions (Sept. 18th)
On Friday, Sept. 18th from 12:30 – 2:30 EST, join National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project (NATAP) for a webinar discussing aging and body changes, physical function impairment, and relevant interventions for older people living with HIV. Contact hours are available to attendees – find more details and register here.
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day Webinar - Health Insurance and Healthcare Access (Sept. 18th)
In honor of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, The AIDS Institute will present on important health insurance and healthcare access issues that affect older adults at risk for HIV, and those living with HIV. Presenters will cover a myriad of topics including access to health insurance through the individual marketplace, a health insurance policy that impacts patient copay assistance and prescription drugs affordability, updates on copays for PrEP, and benefit protections in Medicare Part D. Register here for the webinar occurring Sept. 18th from 3 - 4 PM EST.
Archived: Healthcare Needs of Adults with HIV who are Aging in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP)
HRSA convened two webinars to review the HIV care and treatment needs of older persons with HIV. Healthcare Needs of Adults with HIV who are Aging in the RWHAP reviewed medical and support service needs and emerging models of care. Psychosocial and Support Needs for People with HIV who are Aging in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program examined such issues as the impact of isolation and stigma.
