National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day—a day to call attention to complex issues related to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, care, and treatment for aging populations in the United States. The goal is to increase the quality of life for people living with HIV and to reduce stigma surrounding HIV among aging populations. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported persons aged 50 and older accounted for approximately of 47% of persons living with HIV.
1 in 6 new diagnoses in the U.S were in people age 50 and older
For several reasons, older people are less likely to get tested for HIV:
- Health care providers may not think to ask older adults about their HIV risk factors, including sexual activity, and may not recommend HIV testing.
- Some older people may be embarrassed to discuss HIV testing with their health care providers.
- In older adults, signs of HIV infection may be mistaken for symptoms of aging or of age-related conditions. Consequently, HIV testing is often not offered to older adults.
For these reasons, HIV is more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage in many older adults. When diagnosed late, HIV is more likely to advance to AIDS.
Source:
- CDC
- HHS
- NHAAD.ORG
Most Commented