The LGBT Elder Initiative is presenting its third-annual community workshop on HIV and aging, “Gettin’ Older with HIV,” as part of its informational forum series, Conversations.
The program will be presented from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany, 330 S. 13 St. It is free and open to the public, and a light breakfast will be served.
The discussion will outline issues specific to older HIV-positive people, such as the medical, social and emotional risks they face.
Heshie Zinman, chair of the Elder Initiative and lead planner of this Conversation, said the program would emphasize helping people with HIV live an independent and best-quality-possible life, but that even people without HIV and younger, positive people could benefit from the discussion.
“Whether you are 30, 50 or 60, learning the skills to manage your disease, access care, interpret and understand test results — these are things that you need to have a knowledge and sense of, and practice,” Zinman said. “People of all ages with HIV can benefit from knowing this. It is also important that your support network — caregivers, family, friends — is educated as well. Info is power and you can never have too much.”
Among the topics being covered is questions people with HIV can ask health-care providers about the routine bloodwork they must undergo every six months.
“What are the counts, actual numbers you should be aware of? CD4 cells, viral load, cholesterol, blood pressure, detectability and liver counts — what do the numbers on these tests mean? What are the numbers on this paper that are most relevant to me living a healthy life?” Zinman said.
Health issues unique to older people with HIV include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, visual-acuity issues and heightened risk of other sexually transmitted infections.
Managing all the different medication for these can be tricky, Zinman said.
“Taking other medications in addition to your HIV medication can create unique side effects, and individuals should be especially aware of these concerns,” he said.
That is why LGBTEI is featuring a special segment in this Conversation on medication with a pharmacist from Penn Medicine, who “will help you understand everything you need to know regarding your medication.”
The pharmacist will be available to meet one-on-one with participants to review their medications and will field medication-related questions including safety and proper use.
Particularly high among people within this demographic group are increased risks of social isolation, depression, stigma and discrimination. To combat these mental-health issues, Zinman stressed the importance of remaining active and engaged in the community, which he hopes this workshop will enable them to do.
“We are giving people the information to understand what questions they need to ask. And how that will improve their chances of living an independent life, and how to stay engaged with and remain relevant in the community. Living independently has to do with your attitude. Are you going to wake up and face the day with a positive outlook? The Conversations series will provide the resources for you to do so.”
A host of resources compiled by the AIDS Library will be available for use at the event. Professionals from the medical and mental-health fields will also be available for questions.
“Gettin’ Older with HIV” is presented by the LGBTEI in partnership with ActionAIDS, AIDS Library of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call 267-546-3488 or email [email protected].