Article Reports on HIV Education of Older Adults

A newly published article reports on an HIV/AIDS education initiative for older adults. In the most recent issue of the Journal of Applied Gerontology the "No one is Immune" initiative is described. The article discusses the initiative and reports on research that assessed HIV knowledge gained by participants through both qualitative and quantitative measures. The full citation is:

Orel, N.A., Steele, C., Watson, W.K & Bunner, B.L. (2010). No one is immune: A community education partnership addressing HIV/AIDS and older adults. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 29(3), 352-370.

Upcoming HIV and Aging Conference in DC

A one day conference on aging and HIV/AIDS entitled "HIV/AIDS Affects Us All" will be held on June 3, 2010 at the Howard University School of Social Work. This one day conference is free and aimed at increasing awareness of the aging of the HIV epidemic and the unique challenges of those living with HIV/AIDS over 50. Contact Courtney Williams of the DC Office on Aging at Courtney.williams@dc.gov for details.

HIV risk in Older Adults Makes Prime Time Series

This post is a bit different today. Typically, I mention a newly released report, article or training on the topic of aging and HIV/AIDS. But today I want to call attention to a prime time series that dealt with the topic of aging and HIV in a very sensitive way. In the final episode of Brothers and Sisters, uncle Saul who is a 72 year old gay man, according to the script, shares his concerns about the potential for HIV infection from a past partner. He recently learned his former partner has been diagnosed with AIDS. He seeks out an HIV test and the staff person specifically discusses the growing number of adults 50 and over at risk for HIV. The issue of HIV testing, stereotypes about risk based solely on age and ageist assumptions are discussed. It was heartening to see a sensitive, accurate portrayal of the issue on a prime time TV series.

New Report on Aging and HIV Released from GMHC

The Gay Men's Health Crisis has just issued a report enitled Gowing Older with the Epidemic: Aging and HIV. According to GMHC the report provides an overview of current knowledge on older adults and HIV. The report underscores the importance of issues such as comorbidities, not yet understood interactions with medications, and the layering of stigma based on HIV status, age, gender, ethnicity and gender orientation and expression. The report can be found at: http://www.gmhc.org/policy-analysis-3