NHCOA Encourages Intergenerational Dialogue on
HIV can affect anyone at any moment in life. In fact, today adults 50 years of age and older make up the fastest growing population with HIV. This is more than just a little known fact; it's the reality that the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) - the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families and caregivers - and other organizations and community leaders across the country will raise awareness of on September 18 - National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAAD). As a member of the NHCOA Leaders Network, we urge you to use this national awareness day as an opportunity to engage fellow community members in an intergenerational dialogue about HIV/AIDS.
Data show that nearly 25 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS are 50 years of age and older, but a common misconception is that it is a disease that only affects young people and fringe populations. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of all people living with HIV in the U.S. will be 50 years of age or older by 2015. As a result, NHAAAD was created in 2008 as a nationally recognized day to highlight the complex issues related to HIV prevention, care and treatment for aging populations in the U.S.
"Aging is a part of life, but HIV doesn't have to be. People are living longer than ever before so it is important that we help them age in the best possible health," said Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of NHCOA. "As advocates, our role is to provide our older adults with knowledge so that they are able to make informed decisions and protect themselves. It is also critical to show that after a positive HIV diagnosis, it is possible to lead a healthy and fulfilling life by adhering to treatment. National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day serves as a powerful opportunity to continue the dialogue about HIV, who it impacts and how we can prevent it."
There are various reasons why HIV/AIDS has such a high impact on this unexpected population. Traditionally older adults have rarely been targeted in HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness campaigns. As a result, many do not realize that their behaviors can put them at risk for HIV infection. Additionally, health care providers may mistakenly assume that older patients are no longer engaged in high risk behaviors, and therefore do not initiate conversations about the importance of using protection and getting tested regularly. On the other hand, many older adults with HIV/AIDS were diagnosed young, and thanks to tremendous advancement in treatment, have been able to live for decades with the disease.
Upon observing the impact of HIV/AIDS in older adults, NHCOA joined the Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) to provide a voice for Hispanic older adults, their families and caregivers. AAALI is a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and leading national organizations representing the populations hardest hit by HIV. As an AAALI partner, NHCOA promotes intergenerational HIV/AIDS awareness in the Hispanic community, particularly Latino seniors, through three main messages: getting the facts, getting tested, and getting involved. To this end, NHCOA has created Spanish language materials targeted to older adults, their families and caregivers, which are available at www.nhcoa.org/actagainstaids on NHAAAD and year-round.
NHCOA invites you to join our efforts to promote an intergenerational dialogue around HIV prevention by sharing the NHAAAD information provided at the bottom of this message with your community. Additionally, during the week of NHAAAD NHCOA will disseminate awareness day-specific materials through its website and social media channels. Please feel free to use these materials in your outreach efforts.