Introduction
Treatment and access to care for older adults living with HIV have improved over the last 30 years, and it is estimated that by 2015, 50 percent of people living with HIV in the U.S. will be over the age of 50. This is happening all over the world, although in countries where access to treatment is limited, many people living with HIV do not have access to life saving treatment than can extend their lives.
The mental health needs of older adults with HIV are complex and evolving. Psychologists and other mental health professionals have an important role to play in the continued care of the aging population of people living with HIV.
This section on HIV and aging highlights some of the unique issues facing older people living with HIV and provides references and resources to inform the multi-faceted treatment needs of this population. The concerns presented in this section, if left unaddressed and untreated, can contribute to increased disease progression, reduced quality of life and overall mortality and morbidity.
The APA HIV/AIDS Programs, through a collaborative effort between the Committee on Psychology and AIDS and the Committee on Aging, has gathered information on medical co-morbidities, depression, adherence to antiretroviral therapies and caregiving for aging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults living with HIV.
The APA HIV/AIDS Programs, through a collaborative effort between the Committee on Psychology and AIDS and the Committee on Aging, has gathered information on medical co-morbidities, depression, adherence to antiretroviral therapies and caregiving for aging lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults living with HIV.