THE PREVENTION NEEDS OF OLDER MEN LIVING WITH HIV

ObjectivesTo examine the living strategies used by older men living with HIV to deal with the episodic nature of disability and associated uncertainty, over time.DesignQualitative longitudinal study in which men living with HIV were interviewed on four occasions over 20 months.SettingMen were recruited from HIV community organisations in Canada.Participants14 men with a median age of 57.5 years and median time since diagnosis of 21.5 years.ResultsFive themes depict the living strategies used to deal with the episodic nature of disability and uncertainty over time. Actively engaging in problem-solving by prioritising and modifying activities and avoiding stress, advocating for support, being positive and future oriented, engaging in healthy pursuits and providing social support to others helped men to mitigate their disability. By following participants over time, we were able to gather insights into triggers of episodes of disability, and perceptions of the success of implementing their living strategies and avoiding uncertainty.ConclusionsParticipants used living strategies to deal with uncertainty and mitigate episodes of disability over time. This study supports the importance of programmes that promote self-management for older men living with HIV through helping them identify triggers of disability, set realistic goals and problem-solve. These may help build self-efficacy, increase sense of control, and decrease feelings of uncertainty and episodes of disability.

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HEALTH DISPARITIES AND HETEROSEXUAL OLDER MEN LIVING WITH HIV

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnw162.2119 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 56 (Suppl_3) ◽

pp. 523-524

Keyword(s):

Health Disparities ◽

Older Men ◽

Living With Hiv

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HIV-Related Stigma Affects Cognition in Older Men Living With HIV

JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes ◽

10.1097/qai.0000000000001898 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 80 (2) ◽

pp. 198-204 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Austin Lam ◽

Nancy E. Mayo ◽

Susan Scott ◽

Marie-Josée Brouillette ◽

Lesley K. Fellows

Keyword(s):

Older Men ◽

Related Stigma ◽

Living With Hiv

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Perceptions of Social Determinants of Successful Aging Among Older Men Living With HIV

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1637 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 424-424

Author(s):

David Moore ◽

Dilip Jeste ◽

Marcia Holstad ◽

Anna Rubtsova

Keyword(s):

Support Groups ◽

Computer Literacy ◽

Successful Aging ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

College Education ◽

Social Institutions ◽

Older Men ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Living With Hiv

Abstract The overall purpose of this qualitative study was to examine barriers and facilitators of successful aging among older men living with HIV (OMLH). Participants were recruited through HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program at the University of California, San Diego. Our sample included 14 OMLH: average age - 62 years old (range: 53 to 72), 79% white, 43% living alone, 79% men who have sex with men, 57% having college education or higher. Semi-structured interviews lasted from 43 to 114 minutes and were fully transcribed. Several themes emerged related to perceived barriers to successful aging stemming from social institutions: i.e., age discrimination and ageism, sexual and HIV-related stigma, social isolation, lack of resources, and food insecurity. Perceived institutional solutions promoting successful aging included mixed-age/inter-generational support groups, computer literacy training, health education, information and resources related to healthy lifestyle on a limited budget, and increased transparency of resources available to older adults.

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