On September 18, 2008, the National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day was launched by The AIDS Institute. This day brings awareness to the complex issues related to HIV prevention, care, and treatment for adults fifty years old or older. To continue raising awareness and helping the community, Cempa Community Care joins people and organizations around the world in recognizing this national day. 

People living with HIV/AIDS, who are older than 50, face many complications. Although HIV can be managed like a chronic medical condition, living with HIV still isn’t easy. Significant social stigmas around the disease heighten already challenging medical routines, strict adherence to medications and regular screenings among them. 

There are many challenges that individuals with HIV/AIDS face:

• The feeling of social isolation can be a heavy burden, especially for those that may feel like there is age-based discrimination in communities among people living with HIV.
• Many face concerns regarding the uncertainties that aging with HIV brings, such as the role HIV would play as age progresses and if changes could be attributed to general age-related decline or to the virus itself. 
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to deal with cardiovascular disease, lung disease, bone loss, and some cancers. 
• A sense of burdening others or the healthcare system if there is no longer a feeling of independence. 
• Fear of HIV-related stigmas and discrimination with healthcare staff and whether they would be equipped to deal with the needs of people with HIV. 

Not only is this taxing physically, but also mentally and emotionally. But there is good news: HIV is no longer a death sentence. With improved access to effective treatments globally, people with HIV are living much longer than ever before. According to the American Clinical and Climatological Association, it is estimated that by 2030, 70% of people living with HIV will be 50 years old or older. 

Fortunately, there are communities and organizations that are here to help. Long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS can receive support and pharmacy services through Cempa Community Care. Cempa offers a wide range of support services that allows individuals with HIV to receive the help and medical attention they need. 

If you or someone you know currently has HIV/AIDs, know that you are not alone. Life may look a little different with HIV, but it’s still a full life to live. Cempa encourages people living with HIV to share their stories and for people not living with HIV to actively fight the stigma and support those around you. 

To view primary care providers and services, please visit: https://cempa.org/cempa-staging-/primary-care/