AIDS, the miracle of drugs promised and aging!
Some down play the difficulty of living with HIV/AIDS because of the success of miracle drugs developed during the 90’s to now. The instant death sentence of an HIV diagnosis is largely a thing of the past. HIV patients are living longer and have productive lives. And though, HIV/AIDS is a chronic but manageable disease, it was never a walk in the park. There are side effects to many, if not all the medication that one has to take. And now that those who have HIV/AIDS are living longer, a whole host of issues are developing. It is estimated that by the year 2015, 50% of people with HIV/ AIDS will be 50+.
In a meeting with people with HIV/AIDS in early October, many talked about some of the difficult problems they struggle through while growing older. Most experience depression, lack adequate housing and support services. Some are widowers (losing their partner to AIDS complications) and have issues living alone. Some become shut-ins when they are sick and no longer able to get around.
In a New York Magazine article, “Another Kind of Crisis”, similar issues were addressed facing PWAs (People with AIDS) and PLWHIVs (People living with HIV). The article described how those who are HIV+ are living longer and getting older faster. Many showing early signs of illness and disease usually seen in the elderly. Aging is becoming the no.1 problem with people living with HIV. The article noted, “There are perhaps 145,00 people in New York living with HIV. That’s the second highest rate in the country according to the CDC, and one of the densest AIDS sub-populations in the developed world.” And despite these findings and the increase in age among those with HIV, the funding and research is lacking. The concern is that funding is going overseas while the domestic AIDS front is suffering. The effort in preventive measures with education and awareness has dwindled and so has the efforts around care, treatment and research.
Unlike any other field, the study of HIV/AIDS needs to stay in tune with the changes and progression this disease makes. Otherwise, more people with fall victim to a disease that has shown that it can outpace
