Aging with HIV
Adults living with the virus face new challenges as they grow older.
On Wednesday, March 16 at 19:30 GMT:
An HIV diagnosis in the 1980s was considered a death sentence for many. Long-term survival was said to be reserved for only the “lucky ones”. More than three decades later, advances in medical research and treatment have made it easier to live with HIV. They’ve also made it possible to prolong the lives of those affected. For some, life expectancy has changed from a few months or years to living a full life. While the prognosis is better, survivors also face new challenges and complications as they get older. Those who have been able to live with the virus have struggled with premature aging, side effects from long-term use of medications and more.
Today, there are more than a million people in the US living with HIV. By 2020, it is estimated 70 percent of HIV-positive individuals will be age 50 and older. Similarly, the number of older adults living with the virus is also increasing worldwide. At 19:30 GMT, we speak with survivors who are beating the odds about the challenges they face as they grow older with HIV.
Joining this conversation:
Scott Jordan
Long-term HIV survivor
David Patient @DavidPatient
Long-term HIV survivor
davidpatient.com
Maria “HIV” Mejia @MariaHivMejia
International HIV and Human Rights Activist
thewellproject.org
Dr. Benjamin Young @benyoungmd
HIV/AIDS Specialist
iapac.org
Do you think the severity of HIV is being downplayed as it becomes more manageable? Why/why not? Share your thoughts below.