News release

HIV/AIDS Increasing in People Over 50

Health and Wellness

Community and government organizations are reaching out to people age 50 or older as part of HIV/AIDS Awareness Week in Nova Scotia.

Senior's Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, today, Nov. 24, helped launch HIV/AIDS Awareness Week in Nova Scotia, which runs until Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, by raising the red-ribbon flag during a public ceremony at Province House.

"Many of today's seniors are more socially active, including physically, mentally and sexually, than in the past," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "Enhancing awareness of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV and AIDS, helps seniors make informed decisions as it relates to their sexual health."

Each year, the HIV/AIDS Awareness Week Planning Committee for HRM, led by the Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS, focuses on a particular population group as part of its awareness campaign. This year's focus is HIV and aging.

"For many years, persons living with HIV have been focused on treatment and survival," said Larry Baxter, who is living with HIV and former chair of the Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS. "Now those of us aging with HIV are also turning our attention to aspects of early aging, such as cardiovascular, cognitive and bone concerns."

HIV/AIDS can cause chronic conditions associated with aging earlier, and at a faster rate, than people who do not have HIV.

The committee has planned a number of events in HRM to engage people age 50 or older, families, and service providers. These events are opportunities to discuss HIV prevention, living with HIV/AIDS as people age and how to reduce stigma and discrimination against those living with HIV or AIDS.

One such event, held last week was an intergenerational workshop for youth and people 50 years and older on healthy sexuality and safer sex. Events organized by other organizations are taking place across the province.

"HIV infection has increased among people 50 and older in Nova Scotia and Canada and is expected to continue to increase over the next decade," said Michelle Proctor-Simms, director of the Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS. "It is important for Nova Scotia to respond by increasing education to reduce new infections, encourage testing, and prepare to address the care and support needs of people with HIV/AIDS as they age."

"Nova Scotians must be aware and remember that knowledge of your, and your partner's sexual health and past sexual history, is important at any age," said Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald. "Talking about, and being aware of, sexual transmitted infections is the first step in preventing them."

In June, the world marked 30 years since the the first cases of HIV/AIDS in North America. Dec. 1 marks the 23rd annual World AIDS Day that highlights the global impact of HIV/AIDS and nations' responsibility to ensure universal treatment, care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS.

The Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS was established in 1988 to implement recommendations of the Nova Scotia Task Force on AIDS. The commission advises government on HIV/AIDS issues and its impact on Nova Scotia, and co-ordinates the implementation of the provincial HIV/AIDS strategy.

For a full list of events being held during HIV/AIDS Awareness Week, visit www.gov.ns.ca/aids.