National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day every September 18 is the brainchild of the AIDS Institute. It promotes the prevention, proactive testing, and comprehensive treatment of HIV among the elderly demographic. Read on to learn more.
Key Info: National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
- When is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day?
Occurs annually on the 18th of September - This Year (2026):
Friday, September 18, 2026 -
Future Dates
- Saturday, September 18, 2027
- Monday, September 18, 2028
- Tuesday, September 18, 2029
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Additional Details
- Observed By: Healthcare providers, public health agencies, HIV advocacy groups, aging services organizations, and communities across the US
- Where Is It Observed: United States
- Primary Theme: HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care for Aging Populations
- Hashtags: #NHAAD #HIVandAging #AgingWithHIV #HIVPrevention #EndHIVStigma
Quick links: National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
Why National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day Matters
Aging affects immune function, making older adults more susceptible to infections. Most elders also face cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and obesity, among others. Living with HIV can exacerbate these illnesses.
As medical advancements allow those with HIV to live longer, the possibility of spreading it is higher. In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than half of Americans living with diagnosed HIV are aged 50 and above, and they account for 16% of new HIV diagnoses.
HIV testing is also not widely practiced among the elders. In 2022, 33% of people 55 years old and above are diagnosed when they already have a late-stage infection or full-blown AIDS.
During National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, we highlight this vulnerable age group. By pushing prevention and treatment strategies, we can improve their quality of life and combat the stigma and misconceptions surrounding them. The observance also calls for increased research on the interplay between HIV/AIDS and aging.
Ways to Contribute to HIV Prevention and Treatment among Elders
- Educate with Kindness: Share research-backed information on HIV prevention and treatment among elders, addressing myths while emphasizing the importance of safe practices and routine testing.
- Lead to Resources: Connect elders with government programs offering free HIV testing, counseling, PrEP, and antiretroviral therapy to ensure access to essential services.
- Provide Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and foster nonjudgmental conversations to help elders cope with their diagnosis or prevention journey, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Remove Stigma: Advocate for compassion and understanding, challenging ageist or HIV-related misconceptions to promote an inclusive environment for elders living with or at risk of HIV.
- Highlight Treatment Benefits: Educate elders on how antiretroviral therapy helps manage HIV effectively, backed by research on improved longevity and quality of life.
Brief Timeline of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
The first cases of what would later be known as AIDS are reported in the United States.
The term "AIDS" (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is used for the first time.
The discovery of the virus causing AIDS, initially named HTLV-III/LAV, later renamed as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared December 1 as World AIDS Day.
The red ribbon becomes the international symbol of AIDS awareness.
On September 18, the AIDS Institute launched the first National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day in the United States.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded research focused explicitly on aging and HIV/AIDS.
The US Government released the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
The United Nations General Assembly held a High-Level Meeting on AIDS, recognizing aging as a critical issue.
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day Themes and Hashtags
| September 18, 2022 | Aging is a part of life, but HIV doesn’t have to be! |
| September 18, 2023 | Remembering the Past, Reflecting on the Present, Envisioning the Future |
| September 18, 2024 | Protect Our Aging Populations: Meeting New Challenges to Live Longer and Improve Lives! |
Spread the word about HIV and aging using the following hashtags:
- #HIVandAging
- #NHAAAD
- #AIDSandAging
- #EndHIVStigma
- #HIVawareness
- #AgingWithDignity
Conclusion
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day aims to raise awareness and promote regular testing and screening for older people in our community. It advocates for comprehensive care and treatment options for this demographic, combating HIV stigma for everyone.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Every September 18, this event aims to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on older adults.
Older adults are the fastest-growing age group living with HIV/AIDS. They are also more inclined to have other diseases, which will be exacerbated further with an HIV diagnosis. The opposite also applies. People aging with HIV who are living longer and healthier lives have a greater risk of developing chronic illnesses.
You can spread awareness online, offer emotional support to diagnosed elders, attend events, and support organizations working on this issue. You can also follow related events like World Aids Day.
These include thinking only young people can get HIV/AIDS and that older adults are not at risk.
You can offer nonjudgmental assistance, promote HIV treatment and testing, and advocate for inclusive healthcare services and health care providers.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
