September 19, 2017 BY imani leave a comment
Commemorating its ninth year since inception, The AIDS Institute recognizes Sept. 18 as National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAD). The AIDS Institute aims to shed light on a facet of the AIDS community often overlooked—the seniors living with this virus.
There are an estimated 1.1 million people in the United States living with HIV. A surprising 26% of those are 55 years and older, meaning that approximately 286,000 seniors in our country have HIV. NHAAD was originally enacted because older people are less likely to be tested for HIV, and the number of senior citizens testing positive is only increasing. Often, older adults are not tested for HIV for a lengthy period after they have contracted the infection, making it more difficult to treat. Many seniors also face diabetes and heart disease, which only further debilitate treatment.
It is vital for us as a society to be more understanding of HIV/AIDS, and to end the stigma surrounding this virus. Brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and even grandparents test positive for HIV in the United States. NHAAD aims to spread the word, and encourage mindful thinking not just from those that have HIV, but for families and friends, and even those that do not know anyone with this ailment. For more information on NHAAD, visit their website. For more information concerning HIV/AIDS, confidential testing opportunities, go to https://minorityaidssupport.org. To end the stigma, we must understand. To understand, we must be aware. Awareness allows us to make smart and safe choices, and to help stop the spread of HIV.