Older people living with HIV

At the Global Village of the international HIV conference Munich 2024, a round table with many people with graying hair attracted attention: the Silver Zone, a space dedicated to older people living with HIV. Older people living with HIV often feel isolated, their rights and dignity are sometimes neglected, and they are uncertain about the future.

On the stand, an explanatory text: “Our aim is to provide a space for socialization and mobilization, raising awareness of the strengths, support needs and experiences of older people, who will share their experiences, challenges and strategies for aging well . A wide range of activities will be offered. These include intergenerational dialogues, promoting understanding and respect between people living with HIV of all ages; roundtables and speakers presenting evidence on factors affecting overall well-being; self-affirmation through artistic projects, workshops, film screenings and stories; and translating lessons learned into recommendations for policy changes to improve equity and quality of life for older people living with HIV.”

During one of the debates around HIV treatments. A man in his sixties stands up and speaks: “I have been taking ARVs for 28 years. I wanted to switch to injectable treatment but my doctor refused it.” Another man replies: “Change doctors!” Mine didn’t want to either and he didn’t want to hear about I = I. For him, condoms were obligatory even with an undetectable viral load… We must stop having our lives dictated to us by our doctors! “. Empowerment has no age and it is never too late to (re)take power over your health.