Americans with H.I.V. are defying expectations by living longer lives. However, once they reach around age 50, they often experience a range of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, social isolation, and cognitive decline. Consequently, the medical research community is now focused on finding new ways to improve the health of older individuals with H.I.V.
One recent study discovered that a statin medication significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes among middle-aged and older adults with H.I.V. This research may also provide insights into why this group tends to age faster than others. Additionally, specialized clinics for older people with H.I.V. have been established in academic hospitals. These clinics offer medical experts as well as social workers, substance abuse counselors, psychologists, and nutritionists.
More than two dozen H.I.V. and aging experts expressed optimism about the future, in contrast to the more negative outlook from a decade ago. Currently, there are 572,000 Americans aged 50 and older diagnosed with H.I.V., a 73% increase from 2011. However, two-thirds of deaths in this population result from causes other than the virus. Older individuals with H.I.V. face an increased risk of diabetes, liver and kidney disease, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, and various cancers. Their most urgent concern is a doubled risk of cardiovascular disease compared to individuals without H.I.V.
To address this growing threat, the National Institutes of Health invested $100 million in a randomized controlled trial called Reprieve. The trial tested a statin medication against a placebo among 7,769 people aged 40 to 75 with H.I.V. The results showed that the drug reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by over one-third.
In addition to medication, the long-term care of individuals with H.I.V. relies on more than just prescription drugs. Older individuals with H.I.V. often face social problems such as poverty, loneliness, addiction, mental illness, stigma, and housing insecurity. These issues can exacerbate the challenges of aging. Offering a range of services including healthcare and psychological counseling, programs like the “Golden Compass” at the University of California, San Francisco have proven beneficial for aging individuals with H.I.V.
However, the majority of older people with the virus still lack access to high-quality care. Such programs can be expensive and may require significant resources that many clinics, particularly those in resource-poor areas, cannot meet. This leaves many patients without adequate support.
Despite these challenges, the growing attention and research focused on older individuals with H.I.V. provide hope for improved outcomes. By addressing both medical and social needs, experts believe that better care can be provided to this population. Ultimately, the goal is to help them live longer, healthier lives.