National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day — 18 September

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, which occurs each year on September 18, might seem like an odd combination for an observance. But it actually makes perfect sense. Thanks to some startling advances in treatment, people with HIV are living longer than ever. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of Americans living with HIV are over 50.

As such, this observance highlights issues related to HIV prevention, care, and treatment for aging Americans. For example, the AIDS Institute says “there’s an increased need for prevention, research, and data targeting the aging population, medical understanding of the aging process, and its impact on HIV/AIDS.” So let’s learn a little more about this important topic.