HIV risk for people over age 50

Please see this article for information on how older people are being targeted for HIV prevention.  Learn WHY older people are at great risk for contracting HIV/AIDS.

Against the odds: Transgender, African American and HIV-positive

I found this excellent video on YouTube. It may seem controversial, but it’s REAL. And that is the danger and prevalence of transgender men and women contracting HIV/AIDS. We at SHAPE Detroit want to see ALL people living with HIV/AIDS have access to the care they DESERVE. And for those who are NEGATIVE (so far) we want to help them prevent getting HIV/AIDS — and our FOCUS is minority women over age 50.

So watch the video, please — and keep an open mind and heart…please. We’re trying to save HUMAN BEINGS…one woman at a time.

Older and Wiser? The Many Faces of HIV – Part 2

We at SHAPE Detroit are devoted to HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention among seniors.  That’s what we do — carry the message that no matter what age, race, gender, sexual identity…if you have unprotected sex JUST ONE TIME, you’re at risk for contracting HIV.   Period.  No judgments.  It is, what it is.  Have unprotected sex or use a needle someone else has used (even if it’s for injecting insulin)…you’re at risk for contracting HIV. 

So here’s part two of a wonderful video I found on YouTube.  I hope you’ll watch and enjoy it.   And call us if you need condoms, female condoms, dental dams, lubricant or better yet – if you’d like us to come and give a presentation to your group, church, apartment building, whatever!  It’s free and we’ll be there.  Our number is (313) 736-5541.

Older and Wiser? Many Faces of HIV Part 1

I found this wonderful video on YouTube where several seniors talk about their experience with contracting HIV or how they protect themselves from contracting HIV. It’s a story that needs to be told over and over. We hope you’ll watch it. And remember, by 2015, the CDC estimates HALF of the people living with HIV will be over 50 years old.

Educating seniors about the prevention of HIV/AIDS

Hello,

                        A lot of times the feedback I get from older people is denial of their sexual behaviors or the assumption that they will never have sex again. Truth is,  a lot of them are having sex and they are having it unprotected. They have to be aware and be realistic that HIV/AIDS is not something you play with, neither are any other sexually transmitted infections.                                  

The article I am sharing dates back to 2004 and it tells about Adult Well-Being Services’ early work with educating seniors on HIV/AIDS prevention. 

Hola,

                            Muchas veces personas de la tercera edad niegan su comportamiento sexual o suponen que nunca volverán a tener sexo. La verdad es que muchos si están teniendo sexo y sin protección. Tienen que ser conscientes and realistas que el VIH/ SIDA no es una broma y tampoco las Enfermedades Venéreas.  

                          El articulo que quiero compartir es del año 2004 y habla sobre Adult Well-Being Services siendo el único programa con fondos disponible para las personas de la tercera edad y hasta hoy sigue siendo los únicos en Detroit, Michigan.

Hagan clic aquí para poder leer el articulo (note el articulo esta en Ingles)

Thank you – Gracias

Ana Rivera SW Detroit SHAPE Outreach Worker

50 and beyond and STILL YOUNG!

Welcome everyone,

I want to share with you my observations working with these beautiful women aged 50 and over or how I like to say, 50 and beyond and still young!

As a SHAPE outreach worker, wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter and daughter-in-law, I’ve learned that among many women sex is no longer something to be ashamed of and that it’s OK to talk about sex and HAVE SEX. I’ve also observed that a lot of times we have assumptions that women in older age groups aren’t sexually active, or that they are in stable long-term relationships with lower-to-no risk of contracting HIV or sexually transmitted diseases.

In the past, I didn’t consider people like my mom, grandmother or mother-in-law, who are between the ages of 50-80, are having sex.

And was I wrong!

What I’ve come to learn is that many are done with having children, some are divorced, some never married and many find they may have more time for themselves now.  And they are taking advantage of that!  Now more couples are able to have intercourse over a longer period of time, due to drugs like Viagra, so sexuality is extended into later life or, in some couples’ cases, sex has returned.  Still others are re-entering the dating pool.  Could it have something to do with our modern technology?  Could it be the superstars expressing sexuality beyond 50?  Or has it always been around and we just didn’t talk about it?

Many women who become sexually active later in life have cultural or sociological boundaries that may not encourage them to get tested or to make choices that will avoid them contracting an STD or HIV.   Many go through menopause and childbearing is no longer an issue, so the likelihood of discussing the use of condoms with their partners is very slim.  Most HIV/AIDS and STD awareness programs are targeted to younger age groups, so these older women do not get any information, again based on assumptions many of us make.

So whatever may be the reason for their comeback or continuation I will help by talking to women about reducing risks by practicing safe sex, physical changes that come with age and the joy of engaging in what we all know is beautiful when practiced safely…Sex!

Hope you enjoyed! 

Ana Rivera SW Detroit- SHAPE Outreach Worker 

P.S. Here’s short quote I want to share:     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         It is possible at any age to discover a lifelong desire you never knew you had.   (Author unknown)