New York State Department of Health Celebrates National HIV/Aids and Aging Awareness Day

Department's AIDS Institute Launches New Website on HIV and Aging

Department Remains Committed to Ending the Epidemic and Supporting those Living and Aging with HIV

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 18, 2025) - The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute within the Office of Health Equity and Human Rights proudly joins the nation today in honoring the growing number of people living long and full lives with HIV on National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day.

"For decades, major advances in healthcare treatment have transformed HIV from a deadly disease for many to a manageable chronic illness for most, allowing people diagnosed with HIV to live long and full lives," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "There are still many challenges to overcome to address the medical, social and emotional needs of our aging population in New York State. Prevention efforts for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases continue to be a priority. Today we honor the courage and determination of all those who are navigating these challenges as they age with HIV/AIDS."

The New York State Department of Health's AIDS Institute continues its commitment to New Yorkers living and aging with HIV with the launch of a new website containing content related to programs, services and resources for consumers and providers. A newly created infographic provides information about HIV and aging and links to the new website.

There are more than 100,000 New Yorkers living with diagnosed HIV. One in every six New Yorkers who are newly diagnosed are over the age of 50. For those New Yorkers aging with HIV, over 60 percent were diagnosed more than 20 years ago and many have been living with HIV over 40 years.

Accordingly, sexual health for older adults and anti-stigma campaigns were included as recommendations in New York State's Master Plan for Aging's final report published this year. Accelerated aging and higher levels of loneliness and isolation continue to dramatically impact the health and well-being of these individuals. In response to these and other health challenges, the People Aging with HIV pilot was launched over two years ago and has already demonstrated the importance of screening mechanisms and the power of psychosocial support.

Dynamic collaborative strategies across multiple state agencies, including the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute and the New York State Office for Aging (NYSOFA), continue to provide education and awareness activities, to bridge the gap between HIV and aging/disability providers who historically have not needed to work collaboratively to care for this emerging population.

New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, "NYSOFA is proud of our work with the AIDS Institute to help individuals facing the many unique challenges at the intersection of aging and HIV/AIDS, be it social isolation, managing an HIV/AIDS diagnosis alongside other long-term health needs, confronting ageism or stigma and others. This new online resource provides a dedicated space for finding trusted information and supports to help people aging with HIV. It is also a valuable resource for caregivers of any age. NYSOFA urges all of our community partners to use and share this resource widely in our combined efforts to support individuals as they age with HIV/AIDS."

In partnership with NYSOFA's NY Connects regional programs, efforts have been made to broaden the ability to access services that meet identified needs of older adults living with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. New resources have been and will continue to be developed for people aging with HIV and medical providers will be encouraged both to provide and follow up on aging related screenings and to talk with their aging patents about sexual health and preventative interventions such as PrEP.

For more information on HIV and Aging in New York State, visit our new website.

Eligible New Yorkers can receive free HIV self-testing kits through the mail. Tests are also available at low or no cost in many healthcare settings across the state. Find a nearby site by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Test Site Locator.

For more information on New York State Department of Health's AIDS Institute, visit the website here.