Today is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, a public health campaign to bring attention to the 24% of the 1.2 million HIV infected people who are over the age of 55 and to focus on those who are diagnosed over the age of 50. The awareness campaign is also “to increase support to the growing number of grandparents becoming guardians of children losing their parents to HIV/AIDS.”
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), report that due to better treatment options and medicines, people with HIV are living longer. However, there are challenges to treatment and prevention in older adults. Some treatment challenges may include medication interactions between HIV medications and other prescription drugs. Some of the challenges to prevention include lack of knowledge about HIV and methods of preventing the disease.
The American Psychological Association stresses the importance of educating older adults about the importance of avoiding risky behaviors and fight the stigma of discussing sexual health and safe sex. Older adults and their health care providers are encouraged to routinely discuss their sexual habits and screen for HIV and other STDs.
To schedule an annual physical or to discuss your treatment options with a qualified healthcare professional, you may walk-in to any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, or you may schedule an appointment by visiting our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Source: https://www.apa.org/pi/aids/resources/aging-awareness