This final episode in the Aging with HIV: Navigating the Future podcast series focuses on the distinct challenges faced by Black Americans aging with HIV, and the structural barriers disproportionately impacting their ability to access quality care and treatment. Joining ASA’s Equity Strategy Director Patrice Dickerson to discuss aging at the intersection of Blackness and HIV and how this intersectionality of identities involves navigating a complex landscape of health disparities, social inequities, and unique psychosocial challenges, are Douglas M. Brooks, Raymond A. Jetson and Linda H Scruggs. They also will touch on why their work as advocates is so crucial in bridging existing gaps and how cross-sector collaboration is so critical in advancing health equity for the Black community, especially for Black older adults living with HIV.

This podcast episode focuses on the unique challenges faced by Latino individuals aging with HIV, including barriers to accessing culturally competent care due to language, economic insecurity, stigma and geographic disparities. Luis Nava Molero, Director of the National Programs at Salud es Vida (Health is Life) at the Latino Commission on AIDS, sits downs with Victoria Ruiz, ASA’s Senior On Aging Institute Manager, to discuss how the Latino Commission on AIDS is spearheading health advocacy for Latinos—including those aging with HIV— and building capacity in community organizations.

Este episodio del pódcast se enfoca en los desafíos únicos que enfrentan las personas latinas que envejecen con el VIH, incluyendo las barreras para acceder a una atención culturalmente competente debido al idioma, la inseguridad económica, el estigma y las disparidades geográficas. Luis Nava Molero, Director de Programas Nacionales de Salud es Vida en la Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA, conversa con Victoria Ruiz, Gerente Principal del On Aging Institute de ASA, para hablar sobre cómo la Comisión Latina sobre el SIDA está liderando la defensa de la salud para los latinos—incluidos aquellos que envejecen con el VIH—y fortaleciendo la capacidad de las organizaciones comunitarias. 

This podcast episode focuses on the mission of HealthHIV and insights from the organization’s Fourth Annual State of Aging with HIV National Survey. For the first time, this survey has two population focuses—one that reached those aging with HIV and one that reached the workforce providing health and human services to this population. Scott Bertani and Sarah Brodt from Health HIV join ASA’s Equity Strategy Director Patrice Dickerson to discuss survey findings and implications for care, policy and advocacy for people aging with HIV across the country. 

This podcast episode focuses on federal and state policies impacting older people living with, and vulnerable to, HIV. Terri Wilder and Aaron Tax from SAGE—the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older people—join ASA’s President and CEO Leanne Clark-Shirley to discuss recent and upcoming legislative changes and the implications for healthcare access, long-term-care protections, and other quality-of-life issues for individuals aging with HIV. The episode highlights SAGE’s work advocating for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ older people and providing education and technical assistance for aging services providers and LGBTQ+ organizations. 

This podcast episode explores how the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is helping break down barriers to care for individuals aging with HIV and how The San Francisco Principles highlight the urgent need to address health inequities and systemic neglect faced by long-term survivors. Vince Crisostomo, Director of Aging Services at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, sits down with ASA’s Equity Strategy Director, Patrice Dickerson, to discuss how The San Francisco Principles 2020 embody the collective voice of long-term HIV survivors, advocating for awareness, equity and lasting support. 

Aging with HIV: Navigating the Future is a Beyond Generations podcast series produced by the American Society on Aging in collaboration with Gilead Sciences that explores the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals aging with HIV. This episode illuminates how The Reunion Project empowers long-term HIV survivors to shape/share their own narrative, emphasizing their resilience, wisdom and ongoing fight for dignity. The Reunion Project provides a vital community and platform for long-term survivors to amplify their stories and ensure they can help shape the future of HIV care and policy, especially amidst current threats to hard-won progress. Jeff Berry, Executive Director at The Reunion Project, joins ASA’s Equity Strategy Director, Patrice Dickerson, for a conversation on how the stories of long-term HIV survivors serve as a source of inspiration for those grappling with what it means to age with HIV. 

Social workers are in a unique position because they interact with the broader social determinants of health—such as mental health, housing, employment, etc.—and see firsthand how they impact people living and aging with HIV. Kerry Littlewood from AAJ Research & Evaluation, Inc., and Russell "Rusty" Bennett from the Center for Social Innovation and Health Equity Research, and Collaborative Solutions, Inc., sit down with ASA President & CEO Leanne Clark-Shirley for this episode to discuss what support social workers need to serve older adults living with HIV.

Many adults who are aging with HIV have experienced immense loss, stigma and discrimination—even within the healthcare system. Unfortunately, the care and treatment they receive often comes from specialists who are unfamiliar with HIV and the unique challenges it poses to older adults. Carole Treston and Sheila Tumilty from the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care address the importance of educating and equipping healthcare workers with the right information and resources to care for people living and aging with HIV. 

In 1983, activists developed a manifesto referred to as The Denver Principles, which asserts the rights and responsibilities of people living with HIV, including the right to make meaningful decisions, and declares that they are not passive subjects, but protagonists who are fully involved in their response to AIDS. In this episode, Linda H. Scruggs from Ribbon, a nonprofit organization, and Tez Anderson, President of Let’s Kick Ass—AIDS Survivor Syndrome, sit down with ASA Equity Strategy Director, Patrice Dickerson, to discuss why The Denver Principles continue to be relevant today, particularly for people aging with HIV. 

More than one in every five older adults living with HIV is Hispanic/Latinx. This population living with HIV is a rapidly expanding demographic, and yet they face unique hurdles in accessing healthcare and treatment. Often they have been related to language barriers, but such hurdles also are compounded by feelings of depression and social isolation. Luis Nava Molero from the Latino Commission on AIDS sits down with National Skills Coalition CEO Robert Espinoza to discuss the vulnerabilities of Hispanic/Latinx communities aging with HIV and how they have been overlooked time and again.

People living with HIV have historically faced social isolation and stigma from society, however, Black men in particular have faced unique challenges while aging with HIV. Joe Robinson from THRIVE SS sits down with special guest host Raymond A. Jetson from Aging While Black to discuss his role as lead program manager of The Silver Lining Project, a program that aims to create a safe space where older Black men living with HIV can share, discuss and advocate for issues impacting their community.

Caring for older adults—specifically those older than age 50—who are living with HIV calls for increasing access to services and care coordination. HealthHIV’s Pozitively Aging program works to improve the quality of life for those aging with HIV. Scott Bertani, Director of Public Policy at HealthHIV, sits down with Beyond  Generations to discuss his article in the Gilead-sponsored Generations Today on how Pozitively Aging addresses obstacles and solutions to HIV care.

Lena Haas, head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions at Edward Jones, explores the benefits of building financial knowledge and strength for women. She discusses the importance of being involved in financial decision-making, how an emergency fund can be an empowering tool, bridging the retirement gap between men and women and how to make the most of a longer life expectancy.

Women investors have unique needs and considerations when it comes to managing retirement, Social Security benefits and their finances. While flexibility is important, having a structured financial strategy is essential. Lena Haas, head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions at Edward Jones, discusses how women can best prepare for retirement.

Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease impacting more than 6 million Americans. It also is among the most expensive diseases, with a lifetime cost of care of more than $390,000. Edward Jones Principal Vanessa Okwuraiwe shares insights into protecting health and wealth and discusses the firm’s efforts to end Alzheimer’s.

Financial advice and education are critical components for building a stable financial future, yet many lack access to these tools. Edward Jones Principal Vanessa Okwuraiwe discusses her firm’s efforts to grow financial knowledge and build long-lasting financial strength—not just for Edward Jones clients, but for everyone.

The wealth gap in America is real—and it represents the impact of systemic and institutional racism spanning four centuries in the United States. Edward Jones Principal Vanessa Okwuraiwe explores potential solutions to narrow this financial divide and improve the lives of millions.

Generations are defined less by age than by shared experiences. From Gen Z to the Silent Generation, each group has unique needs, desires and challenges—particularly when it comes to finances. Lena Haas, head of Wealth Management Advice and Solutions at Edward Jones, discusses her firm’s efforts to better understand each generation to help them plan and reach their life goals.