{"id":354805,"date":"2023-06-12T15:14:43","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T20:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/lgbtq-law\/lgbtq-older-adult\/aging-with-dignity-while-living-with-hiv.html"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T16:30:00","slug":"aging-with-dignity-while-living-with-hiv","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/lgbtq-older-adult\/aging-with-dignity-while-living-with-hiv.html","title":{"rendered":"Aging With Dignity While Living With HIV: Resources and Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Aging With Dignity While Living With HIV: Resources and Rights<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Isobel Healy, J.D., M.P.H.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, JD<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Older adults living with HIV are living longer, healthier lives, increasing the need for culturally competent support, testing, and senior services. Many face delayed diagnoses, limited prevention efforts tailored to their age group, and HIV\u2011related health complications that require ongoing care and resources.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Adults aged 50 and over living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) share similar health concerns as their peers without the virus. But HIV-positive older adults do face a higher risk of some HIV-associated conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and renal disease.<\/p>\n

Federal protections and community organizations help ensure access to treatment, combat stigma, and support aging with dignity. Still, gaps exist in testing, prevention, and long\u2011term care resources for older adults living with HIV<\/a>, especially for those facing multiple barriers.<\/p>\n

Federal laws play a critical role by prohibiting discrimination in healthcare, housing, and public services. These protections give people living with HIV clear avenues to assert their rights and seek remedies when discrimination occurs. Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\n

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If you’re facing discrimination or barriers to care while living with HIV, you have rights. A civil rights lawyer<\/a> near you can help you\u00a0access the services you\u2019re entitled to with dignity and confidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

HIV in Older Adults<\/h2>\n

HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, ability, or age. But it disproportionately impacts<\/a>\u00a0men who have sex with men (MSM) and communities of color.<\/p>\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported for the year 2022, adults 50 and over comprised 16% of all new HIV diagnoses in the country<\/a>. In addition, older adults have the longest delay in being diagnosed with HIV than any other age group. This demonstrates a need for increased <\/span>HIV testing and prevention efforts<\/a> for older adults.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many LGBTQ+ older adults (OA) living with HIV were diagnosed in the 1980s and 1990s when a positive test equated to a death sentence because so little treatment was available. Life expectancy was short, and developing a cohesive elder care plan<\/a> to support aging in place was certainly an afterthought.<\/p>\n

LGBTQ+ older adults living with HIV pioneered to the benefit of younger generations through their lived experiences, work, and activism. However, because HIV prevention efforts have historically been focused on teens and younger adults, LGBTQ+ older adults are often overlooked when it comes to help and resources. Funding, education, outreach, and advocacy are critical for LGBTQ+ older adults living with HIV.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Resources for Older Adults Living With HIV<\/h2>\n

If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, you can find a local testing center through the\u00a0HHS Testing and Services Locator<\/a>. Many organizations offer\u00a0free or reduced-cost\u00a0testing. Home\u00a0HIV testing kits<\/a>\u00a0are also available, depending on your state’s laws.<\/p>\n

If you test positive for HIV, immediately inform your health care provider as well as\u00a0anyone you have had sexual contact with<\/a>\u00a0so they can get tested too.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you meet certain income requirements, you may qualify for medical care, prescription drug coverage, support services, and other resources through the\u00a0Ryan White HIV\/AIDS Program<\/a>. You can find the\u00a0HIV\/AIDS Hotline<\/a>\u00a0for your state here.<\/p>\n

As a person living with HIV, you may\u00a0encounter discrimination<\/a>\u00a0from people who do not understand that HIV is transmitted in very\u00a0limited ways<\/a>. Organizations working to promote culturally competent support for LGBTQ+ older adults and people living with HIV include:<\/p>\n