National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day 2023: Date, History, Points, How to Celebrate

The annual observance of National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day, which occurs on September 18, may seem like an unusual pairing. However, it makes perfect logic. People with HIV are living longer than ever before due to remarkable advances in treatment. In fact, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of Americans living with HIV are over 50.

Consequently, this observance focuses on HIV prevention, care, and treatment for older Americans. For instance, according to the AIDS Institute, “there is a growing need for prevention, research, and data targeting the ageing population, medical comprehension of the ageing process, and its impact on HIV/AIDS.” Therefore, let’s learn more about this crucial topic.

The background of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

The AIDS Institute explains it best: “National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day focuses on the complex HIV prevention, testing, care, and treatment issues facing the ageing population.” This observance affords us the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of HIV on ageing populations and to share this knowledge with others. On National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day, communities can participate in activities and events to raise awareness. According to SmithsonianMag.com, “sometime around 1920, an individual transported a virus from Cameroon to the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.” The virus was a strain of HIV, and the metropolis provided the ideal conditions for the AIDS pandemic to begin.” For the treatment of AIDS, the Food and Drug Administration has approved azidothymidine, also known as AZT. Approximately 45% of Americans living with HIV are over the age of 50, 25% are 55 and older, and 6% are over the age of 65, according to the CDC.

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HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HIV/AIDS AND AGEING DAY

Communicate with your family about HIV and ageing.

You may wish to broach the topic of getting tested for HIV with an elder family member, despite the difficulty of the discussion.

Exercise a little faith

It is essential for communities to involve religious leaders in National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day-related discussions.

Disseminate the news via social media

Ensure that people are aware of National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Day on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other prominent social media platforms.

4 IMPORTANT POINTS REGARDING HIV, AIDS, AND AGE

In 2014, an estimated 428 thousand Americans aged 50 and older were living with HIV.

​ Experts say that about one in seven Americans are HIV-positive but don’t know it.

Researchers estimate that more than half of HIV-positive individuals also suffer from HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND), which can impair motor skills and memory.

Approximately 37 million individuals worldwide are living with HIV.

NATIONAL HIV/AIDS AND AGING AWARENESS DAY DATES