National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

Categories:: Health
Tags:: Awareness
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September 18
Holiday emoji:: ❤️‍🩹

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, observed every September 18, brings critical attention to the growing population of older adults living with HIV. Thanks to medical advancements, people with HIV are living longer, making age-related care and prevention increasingly vital. Join the conversation, support research, and advocate for comprehensive care for all.

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Expected National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day Deals

For National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and advocacy efforts. Organizations like The AIDS Institute and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) partner with pharmaceutical companies such as Gilead Sciences and ViiV Healthcare to fund research, support care programs, and disseminate prevention information. Look for opportunities to donate to these organizations, participate in awareness campaigns, or join virtual events that highlight the unique needs of aging individuals with HIV. Many local community health centers also host free testing and educational workshops. We encourage you to visit official health organization websites for ways to contribute to this vital cause.

Platform Guide for National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #HIVandAgingAwareness. Share statistics, resources, and personal stories to raise awareness.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HIVandAging. Post educational graphics and links to support groups for older adults.

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #HIVAgingAwareness. Share insights on workplace support and policy for employees living with HIV.

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day Hero

Dr. Anthony Fauci

Dr. Anthony Fauci, an American physician-scientist and immunologist, served as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for 38 years. He was a leading figure in the research and public health response to HIV/AIDS from the early days of the epidemic, advocating for patients and driving scientific advancements that have dramatically improved the lives of those with HIV, including older adults.

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day timeline

1920

The beginning

SmithsonianMag.com reports that "some time around 1920, a person carried a virus from Cameroon toward the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The virus was a strain of HIV, and the city provided the perfect storm of conditions to ignite the AIDS epidemic."

1987

AZT gained approval

The Food and Drug Administration approved azidothymidine, also known as AZT, for the treatment of AIDS.

2014

HIV affects an aging population

The CDC reported that an estimated 45% of Americans living with HIV are over age 50, 25% are 55 and older and 6% are over 65.

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day FAQs

When is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day?

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day 2026 falls on Friday, September 18. This observance highlights the unique health challenges and needs of older adults living with HIV.

How many older adults are living with HIV?

According to the CDC, nearly half of all Americans living with diagnosed HIV are aged 50 and older. This statistic underscores the success of modern treatments and the increasing importance of age-specific care.

What are the unique challenges of aging with HIV?

Older adults living with HIV often face unique challenges, including a higher risk of comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, polypharmacy, and social isolation. Addressing these requires integrated care approaches.

Is HIV/AIDS still a major public health concern?

Yes, HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern globally and in the United States, despite advances in treatment. Ongoing prevention efforts, access to care, and addressing health disparities are crucial to ending the epidemic.

How to Observe National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

Talk to your family about HIV and aging
Though it may be a difficult conversation, you may want to talk to an older member of your family about getting tested for HIV.
Have a little faith
It's important for communities to engage faith leaders in topics related to the observance of National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day.
Spread the news on social media
Make sure people know about National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,and other popular social media platforms.

4 Important Things To Remember About HIV, AIDS And Aging

Many older folks are living with HIV
In 2014, an estimated 428,000 people aged 50 and over were living with HIV in the U.S.
Many people remain undiagnosed
Experts say that about one in seven Americans are HIV-positive but don't know it.
Other problems can arise
Researchers estimate that more than half of people with HIV also experience HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND), which can affect motor skills and memory.
It remains a global epidemic
Worldwide, there are about 37 million people living with HIV.

Why National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day is Important

We're better together
We think the AIDS Institute says it best: "National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day focuses on the challenging issues facing the aging population with regards to HIV prevention, testing, care and treatment."
It keeps the conversation moving forward
This observance provides the space for us to better understand the effects of HIV among aging populations — and to share our newly-found knowledge with others.
There's so much to be done!
On National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, communities can come together to participate in awareness-raising activities and events.