This two-module activity addresses the current state of HIV in the US and healthy aging considerations for persons living with HIV (PLWH). Also included are brief vignettes of actual patient interviews. Their perspectives will provide insight into the daily challenges and quality of life issues that can occur while living with HIV.

Our experts discuss the changes in care due to the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Life expectancies for PLWH are now similar to those for uninfected people. A growing proportion of HIV-infected individuals are now over the age of 50, and we are also seeing an increase in the incidence of HIV infection in older adults. To meet the challenges of the ongoing HIV epidemic, HIV care providers must now address the many comorbidities that are common in the aging population.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the most prevalent non-communicable comorbidities in PLWH, and gaps in optimal CV risk factor management in this population is illustrative of the need to emphasize an aging-centric approach to the care of older PLWH. From a cardiovascular standpoint, routine risk screening for cardiovascular health maintenance metrics is sub-optimal, which can result in under-identification and/or under-treatment. Additionally, older adults living with HIV infection may be doubly stigmatized, as they are branded by both age as well as HIV status.3 And with any chronic disease, adherence remains a significant problem in HIV as well.

The growing number of PLWH over age 50 requires research, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the health consequences of HIV in older individuals. The intent of this CME program is to help clinicians improve the health of older PLWH.