Written by Jim Clay, Aging Well Program Team Lead

Each September 18th, CAP observes National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day. This day brings attention to the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV and to their health and social needs. (#HIVandAging)

With many scientific advances and therapeutic options, most people living with HIV who are on effective treatments can expect to live to more than 70 years of age. In 2018, more than half of people living with HIV in the United States were aged 50 and older, with an increasing number living into their 70s and beyond. 

As people living with HIV live longer, they face the expected challenges associated with the natural aging process. But they may also experience these challenges many years before their peers not living with HIV, due to the burden of decades of inflammation caused by the virus, and exposure to multiple medications. A significant number of older adults living with HIV experience multi-morbidity (simultaneously having several medical concerns), polypharmacy (requiring multiple medications), and significant mental health difficulties including loneliness and social isolation.

To fulfill CAP’s commitment to older adults, three years ago we began a small program we call Aging Well. Our focus is on improving the wellbeing of aging adults living with or affected by HIV. Begun as a small initiative supported by a single private funding source, the program is now growing. A recent $100 K investment from Multnomah County’s Aging, Disability and Veteran Services Department will allow a staff expansion, which in turn will let us expand our reach and deliver more services to more people.

We don't identify as a service provider. Instead we facilitate the creation of an active community that faces the challenges of aging with HIV together. Our community building efforts involve hosting large and small group activities, plus working one-on-one with individuals where privacy and individual support is needed. Our work is organized into five categories:

·       Health & Wellness

·       Social Activities & Events

·       Visibility & Voice

·       Advocacy & Activism

·       Community Service

Individuals interested in participating in Aging Well activities, or who have questions about the program, can contact Jim Clay who designed and manages the program: agingwell@capnw.org.

Please learn more about the Aging Well Program of Cascade AIDS Project at www.agingwellnw.org. 

About Cascade AIDS Project

CAP is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1985 as a grassroots response to the AIDS crisis. As the oldest and largest community-based HIV services provider in Oregon and southwest Washington, we seek to support and empower all people with or affected by HIV, reduce stigma, and provide the LGBTQ+ community with compassionate healthcare. We do so by helping to ensure the health and well-being of our program participants each year through health, housing, and other social services. When the need for affordable, accessible, and culturally affirming primary care services was identified as a community need, we responded by opening Prism Health in 2017.  More information can be found at www.capnw.org.