Growing old with HIV
There are almost 20,000 people living with HIV in Switzerland. Worldwide, there are 40 million. Since the 2000s, medical treatment has improved significantly. In Switzerland, the life expectancy of people with HIV is now the same as for the population as a whole.
Today, the median age of people living with HIV in Switzerland is 54, and more than half of them are aged between 45 and 64. The number of older people living with HIV will continue to rise. Yet knowledge about HIV is still inadequate, particularly in geriatric care (i.e. the medical monitoring of the elderly), which can lead to inappropriate treatment and unnecessary stigmatisation. Professionals need to receive training to ensure non-discriminatory care.
People with HIV suffer primarily from stigmatisation and discrimination, which is often linked to a lack of knowledge. This results in inappropriate behaviour – particularly often in a medical context. The prevailing images of HIV contradict the reality of people with HIV.
The Swiss AIDS Federation receives more than a hundred reports of discrimination every year, a large proportion of which concern healthcare. These figures are not just statistics, but represent the individual experiences of people who have been discriminated against because of their HIV status. The resulting suffering has a significant impact on their mental health. But together with you, we are committed to ensuring discrimination-free healthcare. Help us and become a knowledge multiplier!
Dos & Don'ts
Tips for professionals who support older people.
Dos
✓ Recognise the expertise of PLHIV regarding their own situation.
✓ Commit to providing appropriate medical and pharmacological care for your clients.
✓ Take into account the impact of stigma on mental health and take action.
✓ Respect privacy and ensure data protection.
Don'ts
✕ Moral judgements or interpretations about ways of life or modes of transmission.
✕ Disclosure of the person's HIV status without their consent, including to other professionals, e.g. physiotherapists or podiatrists.
✕ Unnecessary, discriminatory measures, e.g. using two pairs of gloves, special disinfection of toilets or refusal of contact.
✕ Confusing HIV and AIDS.
✕ Different treatment of the deceased and their relatives in the event of death – no special measures are required.