More than a fifth of people living with HIV in the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief-supported programmes are older individuals, defined as aged 50 years and older, yet optimal person-centred models of care for older adults with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, including screening and treatment for geriatric syndromes and common comorbidities associated with ageing, remain undefined. This Position Paper explores the disproportionate burden of comorbidities and geriatric syndromes faced by older adults with HIV, with a special focus on women. We seek to motivate global interest in improving quality of life for older people with HIV by presenting available research and identifying research gaps for common geriatric syndromes, including frailty and cognitive decline, and multimorbidity among older people with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. We share two successful models of holistic care for older people with HIV that are ongoing in Zimbabwe and Kenya. Lastly, we provide policy, research, and implementation considerations to best serve this growing population.
Keyphrases
- antiretroviral therapy
- hiv testing
- hiv positive
- community dwelling
- hiv infected
- healthcare
- human immunodeficiency virus
- physical activity
- men who have sex with men
- hiv aids
- hepatitis c virus
- middle aged
- cognitive decline
- palliative care
- public health
- mild cognitive impairment
- south africa
- primary care
- emergency department
- pain management
- type diabetes
- affordable care act
- mental health
- metabolic syndrome
- skeletal muscle
- hip fracture
- chronic pain
- case report
- health insurance