Aging Well with HIV is a derivative of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. It was designed with older people living with HIV to serve the unique needs of this community. It is offered 2.5 hours a week for six weeks either in small face to face groups or via a virtual platform. Topics unique to AWHIV include dealing with stigma, disclosure and isolation, self-advocacy, advocating for others, health problems of older people with HIV (depression, lipodystrophy, hepatitis, neuropathy, hepatitis), living with HIV, survivor guilt, and pill fatigue.

Target Audience: Older adults living with HIV

Health Outcomes:

• Decrease depression
• Increase healthful behaviors

Delivered By: 2 Trained lay leaders/facilitators, certified health coaches, physical therapists, occupational therapists, trained care consultants, substance abuse specialists, nurses, registered dietitians, certified fitness instructors, social workers/mental health therapists, pharmacists, or community health workers.

The program is designed to be delivered by peers living with HIV.

Training: Two 2.5-hour sessions a week for six weeks. Leaders already trained in CDSMP can be cross-trained in AWHIV.

Program Type: Group

Format: Virtual/Online

Length: Twice a week, 2.5 hours per session for six weeks

Professional Required: License to offer SMRC Programs

Additional Requirements: A copy of the book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, and the Aging Well with HIV supplemental booklet for each participant

Accessibility adaptations available: Yes

Cultural adaptations available: No

Available in languages other than English: No

Topic(s):

• How to deal with multiple medications, including those for HIV (including PrEP)
• Techniques to deal with isolation and loneliness, as well as frustration and fear
• Advocating for yourself with others, including health care professionals, as well as advocating for others
• How to deal with symptoms such as fatigue and pain
• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
• Nutrition
• Evaluating symptoms
• Advanced directives
• Decision-making
• Sex, intimacy
• Action-planning, problem-solving, decision-making

Data collection requirements: A short annual license report on the number of workshops offered and the number of persons served is required.

Contact: smrc@selfmanagementresource.com

Additional resources:

• Learn more about Aging Well with HIV.