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.