Older Adults and Long-Term Survivors of HIV/AIDS
How We Can Help
Adults age 50 years and older now represent the largest group of people living with HIV/AIDS. This group include long-term survivors (LTS) who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS before the advent of antiretroviral therapy in 1996. People within these groups often experience higher rates of illnesses associated with aging including cardiovascular, liver and kidney diseases, cancers, frailty, and osteoporosis. They may also be socially isolated due to HIV/AIDS stigma and have higher rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and loneliness as they age.
GMHC has developed an array of nationally recognized services to support the psychosocial and educational needs of adults age 50 years and older and LTS. In addition, our National Resource Center on HIV & Aging conducts groundbreaking research on issues associated with aging with HIV/AIDS.
Targeted services for adults ages 50 years and older and LTS include:
Healthy Aging Project
GMHC’s Healthy Aging Project (HAP) provides men and women 50 years of age and older referrals to support services, such as mental health and substance use counseling. HAP also provides mutual support groups, and workshops for LGBTQ+ older adults living with HIV or who are vulnerable to HIV infection. For more information, please contact Giana Desir at GianaD@gmhc.org.
The Terry Brenneis and David Boger Hub for Long-Term Survivors
The Terry Brenneis and David Boger Hub for Long-Term Survivors is a central contact point for LTS seeking information about services. Through the Hub, we connect LTS to resources and support them in their efforts to lead healthy and rewarding lives. The LTS Hub also provides information around community resources and upcoming workshops and events. For more about the Hub, watch this video.
The Buddy Program
The Buddy Program pairs clients living with HIV/AIDS with volunteers who provide social support and assistance with navigating services and resources. With a Buddy, clients can participate in activities such as having a cup of coffee, taking a walk in the park, or assisting with a trip to a doctor’s office. This support can help break the social isolation that can be felt when living and aging with HIV/AIDS.
Thriving @ 50 and Beyond Group
Thriving @ 50 and Beyond is a single-session group for individuals 50 years of age and older who are Black/African American and Latinx, of all gender identities and sexual expressions, and are living with HIV/AIDS. The group focuses on reducing social isolation, depression, and stigma. The groups also aim to increase participants’ understanding of other conditions that they may experience in order to improve overall health outcomes. Through participation in this group, clients can also be connected to other supportive services at GMHC. For more information, contact Lillibeth Gonzalez by email: lillibethg@gmhc.org.
Contact
For informations about services for older adults and long-term survivors of HIV/AIDS contact Meredith Nicholson at MeredithN@gmhc.org.
Older Adults and Long-Term Survivors of HIV/AIDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most of our services are designed to serve the needs of people who have tested positive for HIV.
You can complete the secure and confidential form on this page or call (212) 367-1057. Due to COVID-19, staff are providing remote intake services by phone for people who wish to become a GMHC client and access services. Staff will assess your needs and make referrals to programs and services provided by GMHC and/or our partners throughout New York City.
Yes, our services have different eligibility requirements. An intake specialist can help you understand requirements for our different services.
