Campaign Spreads “Get Tested” Message to Older Americans
Many people think of HIV/AIDS as just a young person’s disease. However, this is not the case. Approximately 15 percent of newly diagnosed HIV infections are among Americans over age 50.
People over age 50 do not always realize that they are at risk for HIV infection. Those who came of age in the decades before AIDS did not always receive the information about HIV risk and prevention that younger generations did.
For this reason, the National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign is bringing its “get tested for HIV” message to Americans over age 50.
Campaign activities have included the following:
Life@50+ National Event and Expo. The Campaign brought the “get tested for HIV” message to AARP’s Life@50+ national event and expo in Boston, MA. The event brought together more than 25,000 attendees from all 50 states. Thousands of individuals visited the Campaign booth to learn about the importance of HIV testing for people of all ages.
Aging in America 2008. Hosted by nation's two largest professional associations in aging—the National Council on Aging and the American Society on Aging—Aging in America 2008 brought together 3,500 professionals in the field of aging. The Campaign hosted an exhibit booth to help raise awareness of the impact that HIV is having on the aging population. Many aging professionals were interested in learning more about how they can incorporate HIV testing promotion into their current programming efforts.
North American Menopause Society Annual Meeting. More than 5,000 physicians, nurses, health educators, researchers, and others interested in menopause-related issues gathered at the society’s annual meeting in Dallas, Texas. Campaign representatives distributed information about the importance of HIV testing for women of all ages, including women over age 50. Many of the attendees gathered HIV testing brochures and information to distribute at their medical offices.
Aging with Passion and Purpose Conference. The Aging with Passion and Purpose Conference, an event sponsored by the Center for Healthy Aging, Ministries, Programs and Services (CHAMPS) in Omaha, NE, focused on supporting faith communities in their care for older Americans. Campaign representatives helped raise awareness of the importance of incorporating HIV prevention education into outreach efforts for seniors.
Washington Alliance for Healthy Aging Summit. The Campaign participated in the 5th annual Washington Alliance for Healthy Aging Summit in Tacoma, WA. Campaign representatives helped educate attendees about the particular impact that HIV/AIDS is having on older Americans.
Celebration 50+ Expo. Hosted by New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the Celebration 50+ Expo helped educate seniors about a variety of health issues. Campaign representatives distributed HIV testing information and engaged older people in individual discussions about HIV risk and prevention.
3rd Annual Ethnic Elders Resource Fair. Campaign representatives distributed HIV/AIDS information to this community-based event sponsored by Senior Services of Snohomish County, WA.
