With 11% of the AIDS cases in people 50 or older, it is imperative that older adults and service providers be made aware that HIV is not just a disease of the young. To call attention to this issue, leaders of the non-profit National Association on HIV over Fifty and the New York affiliate began a campaign over three years ago to offer educational prevention and care programs at conferences and meetings throughout the United States and at international AIDS conferences. In the more than 100 presentations, speakers have: 1) dispelled myths about seniors and sexuality and drug use; 2) provided information on unique HIV transmission and prevention issues; 3) explained how HIV affects older adults, their families and caregivers; 4) addressed specific needs of older HIV infected individuals; and 5) offered personal perspectives of living with HIV/AIDS. Outcomes have included: 1) education of thousands of providers and consumers; 2) increased visibility in the print and visual media; 3) increased focus on the part of government policy makers and funders; and 4) a more informed older community. The "take home message" is that behaviors, not age, determine risk for HIV infection.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify the scope and purposes of the educational campaign of the National Association on HIV over 50. 2. Identify unique prevention and clinical issues for older persons as compared to younger persons related to HIV/AIDS
Keywords: Advocacy, HIV Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Association on HIV over Fifty; New York Association on HIV over Fifty
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.