National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day 2016
In March, SAGE commemorated National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and for HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day in June, we paid tribute to our LGBTQ+ elders living with HIV. Today, we commemorate National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day to recognize the profound effect that HIV/AIDS has on all ages, including LGBTQ+ elders.
Currently, more than half of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S. are over the age of 50. By the year 2020, more than 70% of Americans living with HIV will be age 50 or older, and 18% of new HIV diagnoses occur among people over 50. While HIV has become more like managing a chronic disease, many long-term survivors are facing new crises that affect their physical, mental and financial well-being. It’s important that we recognize and appreciate the trials and triumphs of our brothers and sisters living with HIV.
The Diverse Elders Coalition has a number of resources available about HIV and aging, including the infographic, “Facts and Factors: Diverse Elders and HIV.” This year’s theme for HIV Long-Term Survivors Day was “Moving Forward Together.” Let’s take this unifying message to heart as we celebrate the lives of those we have lost, and those who live and continue to inspire us today.
