Living with HIV presents certain challenges, no matter what your age.  But, older people with HIV different issues than their younger counterparts, including greater social isolation and loneliness.  Stigma negatively affects people's quality of life, self-image, and behaviors.  These may prevent them disclosing their HIV status or even seek HIV care.  In understanding the behavioral and Social Aspects of HIV, we look at the developmental and cultural adaptations based on social and behavioral intervention to improve programs and their impact on HIV.  Until there is a CURE, HIV and aging will continue to support, educate and provide hopefully provide a little laughter along the way.

HIV and Aging Coalition, Houston firmly believes that Education is an important component of preventing the spread of HIV. Even if education were completely successful, it would still have to be an ongoing process - each generation a new generation of people become adult and need to know how to protect themselves from infection. Education is also an effective tool to reduce the social and economic vulnerabilities that often make older men and women more prone to ignore their HIV.  We also believe, with a strong emphasis, that Education  promotes gender equality and women empowerment.  Among people aged 55 and older who received an HIV diagnosis in 2015, 50% had HIV for 4.5 years before they were diagnosed—the longest diagnosis delay for any age group (Center for Disease Control).  The power of education can change for face of HIV as we know it. And, Education can play an important role in increasing HIV risk awareness among older adults by shedding the stereotype that older adults are at low risk for contracting HIV. (Journal of evidence based social work.).