HIV/AIDS & Ageing Awareness Day: Why Seniors Need Regular HIV Screenings

What is National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day?

National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day (NHAAD) is observed annually on September 18 in the United States. The day draws attention to the growing population of older adults living with HIV, thanks to advancements in treatment and care. While the observance is American in origin, its relevance is global—including in India—because people with HIV are now living longer, and ageing with HIV brings unique medical and social challenges.

National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day is an opportunity to focus on awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment strategies tailored for ageing populations. It also highlights the importance of research, stronger health systems, and community support to ensure that older adults with HIV can live healthier, dignified, and stigma-free lives.

When is National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day 2025?

In 2025, it will be observed on Thursday, September 18. While it is not officially recognised in India, healthcare professionals, NGOs, and advocacy groups can use this occasion to spark meaningful conversations about HIV and ageing within the Indian context. With India’s population rapidly ageing and an estimated 2.4 million people living with HIV, this observance can serve as a reminder to address the long-term needs of those living with the condition.

Theme of National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day 2025

The National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day theme for 2025 is "Protect Our Ageing Populations: Meeting New Challenges to Live Longer, Healthier Lives!"

Key focus areas of the National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day 2025 theme:

• Prevention: Ensuring that older adults are not overlooked in HIV prevention campaigns
• Research: Investing in studies that explore how ageing and HIV interact in the Indian population
• Improved Care: Building healthcare systems that address both HIV management and age-related conditions simultaneously

Why This Day is Important

For India, the significance of National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day 2025 lies in recognising that HIV is no longer just a disease of the young. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), many individuals diagnosed in their 20s or 30s are now reaching their 50s and beyond. At the same time, older adults are still at risk of acquiring HIV, often due to limited awareness and testing.

Rising Number of Older Adults with HIV

• In the US, nearly half of all people living with HIV are aged 50 or older.
• In India, with 2.4 million people living with HIV, the number of older adults with HIV is steadily increasing, especially as ART improves life expectancy.

Challenges of Ageing with HIV

• Stigma and lack of awareness about HIV in older populations
• Increased risk of multiple chronic conditions
• Limited inclusion of older adults in HIV prevention programmes
• Financial and social insecurities in later life

Understanding HIV and Ageing

HIV affects the immune system differently as people grow older, making ageing with HIV more complex. For older adults, the immune response may already be weaker, and HIV further accelerates the decline, making them vulnerable to infections and other illnesses.

How HIV Affects the Immune System Over Time

• HIV attacks and gradually depletes CD4+ T cells, weakening the body's immune defences.
• Over the years, this damage increases the risk of opportunistic infections and certain types of cancer.
• Even with treatment, chronic inflammation from HIV can accelerate "immune ageing".

Why Older Adults Face Higher Risks

Several factors contribute to the increased risks faced by older adults with HIV:

• Reduced immune function due to age
• Higher likelihood of other chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease)
• Overlapping symptoms that can delay HIV testing or diagnosis
• Age-related physiological changes that affect how HIV medications work and are tolerated

Health Issues Faced by Older Adults with HIV

Older adults living with HIV often experience more complex health problems, making their care more challenging.

Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular problems like heart disease and stroke
• Diabetes and metabolic disorders
• Kidney and liver complications, especially due to medication
• HIV and its treatments may worsen age-related conditions

Mental Health Concerns

• Depression and anxiety are linked to stigma and isolation.
• Memory decline and higher risk of cognitive impairment.
• Stress of managing both ageing and a chronic condition.

Medication Management Challenges

• Drug interactions between HIV medications and medicines for blood pressure, diabetes, or arthritis
• Adherence challenges due to pill burden
• Financial strain of long-term treatment

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Testing

In India, older adults are rarely targeted in HIV testing campaigns, leading to delayed diagnoses. Early detection is vital to start treatment promptly, manage complications, and improve quality of life.

Common Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Skin rashes or sores
• Memory issues or cognitive decline

Recommended HIV Tests

• Routine HIV screening with a blood or saliva test (such as ELISA or rapid tests)
• Follow-up confirmatory tests if screening is positive
• Annual testing is recommended for people at risk, including sexually active older adults.

How to Support Healthy Ageing with HIV

Healthy ageing with HIV is possible with the right mix of medical care, lifestyle habits, and social support—an important focus of observing and understanding the importance of National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day.

Regular Medical Check-ups

• Frequent monitoring of HIV viral load and CD4 count
• Screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and cancer
• Dental, vision, and bone health assessments

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein
• Regular physical activity, such as yoga or walking
• Adequate sleep and stress management practices

Building a Support System

• Strong family and community networks
• Peer-support groups for emotional well-being
• Counselling services to address mental health needs.

How to Participate in National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day 2025

Participating in this campaign helps raise awareness and support those affected by HIV and ageing. Even in India, individuals and organisations can highlight the importance of National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day to spread awareness and encourage open dialogue about ageing and HIV.

Attend Local or Virtual Events

• Join webinars, workshops, and community forums hosted by NGOs and healthcare providers.
• Participate in community health camps offering testing and counselling.

Spread Awareness Online

• Share facts and resources about HIV and ageing on social media.
• Use hashtags like #NHAAD2025 or create India-specific campaigns.
• Highlight stories of resilience from older adults living with HIV.

Advocate for HIV Care Policies

Public health efforts in India must adapt to the changing needs of people ageing with HIV. Advocacy plays a key role in shaping inclusive policies.

Key actions include:

• Lobbying for HIV care funding and ageing-related research
• Supporting insurance coverage for HIV screening for older adults
• Encouraging policies that promote age-appropriate HIV education
• Integrating HIV services with geriatric healthcare programmes.
• Train healthcare workers to address age-specific HIV needs.
• Push for affordable access to ART and chronic disease medicines.

Conclusion

National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day serves as a vital reminder of the unique challenges faced by older adults living with HIV. As the population of seniors with HIV continues to grow, it is crucial to prioritise regular testing, age-appropriate care, and support services tailored to their specific needs.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we understand the importance of early detection and personalised care for seniors living with HIV. Our team of qualified blood collection technicians offers convenient at-home sample collection, ensuring privacy and comfort.

FAQs

When is National HIV/AIDS and Ageing Awareness Day?

It is observed on September 18 every year. In 2025, it falls on Thursday, September 18.

Why focus on ageing and HIV together?

Older adults living with HIV face unique challenges—such as chronic illnesses, stigma, and medication management—that require tailored healthcare approaches.

How can older adults reduce their HIV risk?

By practising safe sex, getting tested regularly, and staying informed about HIV prevention methods like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Is HIV treatment effective for older adults?

Yes, antiretroviral therapy is effective at all ages, but may require additional attention to other health conditions and medication interactions.

How can I support someone living and ageing with HIV?

Offer emotional support, encourage regular health check-ups, fight stigma, and connect them with support groups or NGOs working in HIV care.