This September 18th, AIDSVu recognizes National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAD) to highlight the growing number of older adults living with HIV/AIDS, and the aging-related challenges of HIV prevention, testing, and care.
When the HIV/AIDS epidemic first started in the 1980s, the life expectancy of those diagnosed was projected to be only a few years. Due to advances in antiretroviral therapy, people with HIV today can live longer, healthier lives.
People aged 55 years and older represented 35% of all people living with HIV in the U.S. in 2018. 67% of people aged 55 years and older living with HIV were virally suppressed in 2018 – the highest percentage among all age groups but far lower than the EHE goal of >95% viral suppression by 2030. While PrEP use among older adults remains relatively low, the number of PrEP users aged 55 years and older increased by 49% from 2017 to 2018.
Older adults with HIV often experience multiple chronic conditions, like cardiovascular disease, liver disease, obesity, or diabetes. Additionally, many older adults living with HIV have fragile social circles and limited access to caregivers. In honor of NHAAD, AIDSVu underscores the importance of investing in research, policies, and programs that meet the needs of an aging population with HIV.
This awareness day provides an opportunity to unite and improve HIV care and education for older adults. To get involved with NHAAD, explore and share these AIDSVu resources:
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