There have been many advances in treatment, and those of us living with HIV are also living longer, healthier lives. More than half the people living with HIV are over 50 right now, and that number is only going to grow.
This is why a focus on HIV and aging is so critical.
AIDS United, recognizing this fact, initiated an HIV and aging project to better understand the needs and experiences of people aging with HIV. The organization, in partnership with its Public Policy Council, conducted listening sessions in 12 cities across the country and at two national HIV conferences as part of that research.
These listening sessions showed there are many health-related issues that are common to everyone as we age, and there are some that are particular to those of us that are aging and living with HIV.
They also demonstrated the urgent need for sustained, focused and collaborative advocacy.
AIDS United released a policy paper last month focused on the six advocacy policies that are top priority to helping those of us who are over 50 and living with HIV.
These priorities are:
- Medical care.
- Mental health care and care for substance and alcohol use disorders.
- Housing, transportation and other support services.
- Addressing stigma and discrimination.
- Ending the HIV epidemic.
- Integrating HIV policy and advocacy with older adult policy and advocacy.
For more information, you can read the HIV & Aging paper in English o en Español.
You can also watch a webinar AIDS United hosted, rooted in the paper’s findings and recommendations.
