The HIV & Aging Program at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people living with HIV (PWH) aged 50 and older. As individuals with HIV live longer thanks to effective treatments, they face new challenges related to aging—such as frailty, chronic illnesses, and reduced physical function.

Our program brings together experts from infectious diseases, geriatrics, nutrition, physical therapy, and the community to provide comprehensive, personalized care for aging adults with HIV. We are proud to be part of a national initiative supported by HRSA to explore innovative strategies that address frailty and promote healthy aging.

To empower older adults living with HIV to age with strength, dignity, and optimal health—through innovative care, research, and community collaboration.

• Frailty Screening & Support: We assess patients for signs of frailty and offer a 3-month tailored intervention that includes nutrition counseling and exercise plans to improve strength, balance, and stamina.
• Electronic Frailty Index (eFI): In partnership with the Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, we are testing a new tool that uses electronic medical records to identify patients at risk for falls, hospital visits, and other complications.
• Collaborative Care: We work closely with departments across our hospital and the Ryan White Program to ensure patients receive coordinated, holistic care that meets both their medical and social needs.
• Community Engagement: Our HIV & Aging Community Advisory Board includes patients, providers, and community partners who help guide our work and ensure it reflects the real needs of those we serve.
• Research Participation Opportunities: We invite older adults living with HIV to take part in other ongoing research studies and clinical trials focused on drug safety, point-of-care testing, and overall health. These studies help us better understand the needs of our patients and improve care through evidence-based strategies.

As we continue to grow and evolve, the HIV & Aging Program is committed to expanding our impact and improving care for older adults living with HIV. Our future goals include:

• Expanding Research Participation: Increase opportunities for people with HIV to take part in aging-related studies, helping us better understand frailty, chronic conditions, and quality of life in this population.
• Enhancing Clinical Services: Integrate more geriatric-focused care into HIV clinics, including cognitive assessments, mobility evaluations, and mental health support.
• Strengthening Partnerships: Collaborate with additional departments across Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist to create a truly multidisciplinary program that addresses the full spectrum of aging with HIV.
• Building Community Connections: Expand our HIV & Aging Community Advisory Board to include more voices and perspectives, ensuring our work remains patient-centered and responsive to real-world needs.
• Sharing What We Learn: Disseminate findings, best practices, and educational resources to other HIV care programs, both regionally and nationally, to help improve aging outcomes for PWH everywhere.
• Securing Ongoing Funding: Pursue additional funding opportunities to sustain and expand aging-related services, research, and community engagement efforts for people living with HIV.