Aging has its perks. Iris House, an HIV organization that serves women and families around New York City and New Jersey, has launched a Members Only Club for individuals ages 50 and older, including but not limited to those living with HIV.
The club offers support services that directly engage the older-adult community. Members will have access to educational workshops on aging and wellness and curated outings meant to foster social connection and a sense of belonging.
More than 50% of people with HIV in the United States are 50 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By 2030, 70% of people with HIV will be over 50.
The American HIV population is aging thanks to effective treatment that enables people to live longer and healthier lives. As a result, managing age-related conditions is a growing focus of HIV care, especially as these issues often arise earlier in people with the virus compared with their HIV-negative cohorts. What’s more, older people with HIV face some unique challenges, including isolation and stigma.
The Members Only Club aims to build community, promote wellness and fight isolation as people age and their needs evolve.
According to the New York State Annual Surveillance Report (December 2023):
- 105,447 New Yorkers are living with HIV.
- 74% are age 40 or older.
- 57% are age 50 or older.
- In New York City, 45,559 individuals living with HIV are age 50 and older, including 30,855 men and 14,704 women.
Founded in 1992, Iris House, named after AIDS activist, writer and performer Iris De La Cruz, provides comprehensive support, prevention and education services for women, families and underserved communities affected by HIV and AIDS. Iris House offers emotional wellness groups, LGBTQ services, HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing, housing assistance and more to all age groups.
Want to join the club? Register here or visit Iris House’s website for more details.
Click here to learn more about other Iris House programs.
For more content about the HIV nonprofit, click #Iris House. And for a related article from POZ, read “A Life of Service,” a feature about Yolanda Diaz, a health educator at Iris House and co–founding member of Positive Women’s Network—USA, which empowers and supports HIV-positive women.
