This event put the spotlight on HIV and aging. At one time, people living with HIV (PLHIV) didn’t anticipate the onset of middle and senior years, but treatments have radically changed that possibility. We gathered to learn and talk about the physical, mental, and social aspects of HIV and aging, and how we can support older PLHIV.
Introduction to the Science of HIV and Aging |
Over 50% of Canadians living with HIV are now over the age of 50. Aging is a complex process, and HIV adds to this complexity. Dr. Jacqueline McMillan of CTN+ will provide an introduction of what we know of the interrelationship of HIV and aging, and an overview of some of the ongoing research.
Presenter: Dr. Jacqueline McMillan
Decades On: People with Lived Experience Panel |
This panel of people over 50 who have lived with HIV for many years talked about their journeys, and what they’ve learned through advocacy, leadership and creating community. The panel was not recorded.
Obstacles and Pathways to Accessing Home and Community Care by Older Adults with HIV/AIDS in BC |
Older adults living with HIV (OALHIV) (50+) make up over 50% of all people accessing HIV treatment in BC. As OALHIV age, the need for supportive care in non-acute settings, including home and community care (HCC), is increasing. The Thrive research project was co-created alongside OALHIV in BC to support people to thrive during all stages of life. Information was gathered from all health regions in BC to learn where people meet challenges, and learn of opportunities. Learn about community experiences from across BC, advocacy issues, and health equity considerations.
Presenters: Dr. Surita Parashar and Antonio Marante
Additional Resources
‘Circle of Friends’ Model Combats Loneliness, Isolation in People With HIV
A recently published study found that being single and lonely is correlated with frailty in older people living with HIV. There is also general evidence that loneliness is detrimental to physical health. A poster presentation at the 2024 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care conference (ANAC) in Indianapolis on Nov. 14 described an intervention to alleviate loneliness for people aging with HIV. Jennifer Sobolik, M.S.N, CNP, shared the results of a study involving a “Circle of Friends” model, which facilitated the creation of groups of people living with HIV to help develop a sense of community.
National Resource Centre on 2SLGBTQI Aging
The National Resource Centre on 2SLGBTQI Aging is a resource centre focused on the lived experiences of 2SLGBTQI older adults and aging issues in Canada. The site is a storehouse of information, research and resources for 2SLGBTQI older adults, their communities, and for those who provide social service and care to these groups.
Canadian researchers study frailty among aging people with HIV
Frailty is an issue that increases with age and reduces a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks and activities. Frailty can affect walking speed, ability to think clearly, muscle strength, and so on. In a study of people without HIV, researchers in Canada found that 8% of people over the age of 65 had some degree of frailty. Another team of researchers in Canada, in cooperation with scientists who study aging in people with HIV in Italy, conducted a study of HIV-positive Canadians, all of whom were over the age of 65, to find out their degree of frailty. This study is called Change HIV.
Recommendations for Incorporating Geriatrics Into HIV Care Include Attention to Both Body and Mind
Across all ages, those with HIV are more likely to have three or more chronic conditions, Greene said. Dealing with all of these requires a more holistic approach, rather than treating individual problems on a list, she urged. For example, condition-specific screening and treatment guidelines may focus on simply adding medications to address or prevent that condition, which can lead to adverse drug interactions.
This information will support the work of:
• People providing frontline peer and/or health management support services
• People in program development
• People in policy development
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We greatly appreciate the vision of our government funders and their ongoing commitment to supporting the work of PAN. In particular we gratefully acknowledge the Public Health Agency of Canada – HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada.