Growing old with HIV
There are almost 20,000 people living with HIV in Switzerland. Worldwide, there are 40 million. Since the 2000s, medical treatment has improved significantly. In Switzerland, the life expectancy of people with HIV is now the same as for the population as a whole.
Today, the median age of people living with HIV in Switzerland is 54, and more than half of them are aged between 45 and 64. The number of older people living with HIV will continue to rise. Yet knowledge about HIV is still inadequate, particularly in geriatric care (i.e. the medical monitoring of the elderly), which can lead to inappropriate treatment and unnecessary stigmatisation. Professionals need to receive training to ensure non-discriminatory care.
Susanne, 55
"I have been living with HIV for 33 years and have only talked about it when it was really necessary. Always this fear of being rejected. With HIV, I am a healthy, complete person, and I want to be treated the same way now, in my older age."
Arturo, 69
"Having reached my twilight years with HIV, I have spent 40 years learning to laugh, cry, and accept life. Medicine is making progress. But society remains hypocritical. Prejudices persist. Today, organizations like Aids-Hilfe Switzerland accompany us through life. A wonderful adventure!"
Max, 78
"Finding out at 54 that I have HIV was a shock! But I have learned that people with HIV can usually rely on good and preventive healthcare. In difficult times, they can seek psychological support without shame."