Why This Matters:
This sharp increase — approximately 6,000 more Latinos aged 45 and older living with HIV each year between 2018 and 2022 — reflects both progress in treatment access and a growing population aging with HIV. However, it also highlights ongoing gaps in prevention, testing, and culturally responsive care for older Latino adults.
What We Need to Consider:
- Aging Latinos with HIV often face multiple layers of stigma tied to age, ethnicity, and HIV status.
- Prevention and outreach efforts frequently overlook adults over 45, despite rising rates.
- Community health initiatives must prioritize intergenerational education, routine HIV testing, and inclusive messaging that speaks to older adults.
- This data calls us to strengthen care systems, challenge stigma, and tailor our public health response to meet the realities of Latino communities aging with HIV.
Infographic 2: Latinos represented 23% of the 762,200 people aged 45 or older living with HIV in the U.S in 2022 Understanding the Numbers:
In 2022, Latinos made up 23% of the 762,200 people aged 45 and older living with HIV in the U.S. This means more than 175,000 Latino adults in this age group were living with HIV — a striking overrepresentation compared to their share of the U.S. population.
Why This Matters:
- Health disparities rooted in systemic racism, language barriers, immigration status, and lack of access to culturally competent care continue to drive this disproportionate impact.
- Despite these numbers, older Latinos are often invisible in HIV prevention and care efforts.
- There’s an urgent need to center Latino voices and experiences in HIV advocacy, aging services, and public health strategies.
These figures call for bold, inclusive action to address structural inequities and ensure Latino older adults living with HIV are seen, heard, and supported.
Infographic 3: In 2022, approximately 6% of Latinos aged 45 or older living with HIV didn’t know their status What This Means:
In 2022, an estimated 6% of Latinos aged 45 or older living with HIV were unaware of their status. That’s thousands of individuals who may not be receiving the care, support, or treatment they need — and who may unknowingly transmit the virus to others.
Why It Matters:
- Late diagnosis is more common among older adults, especially in communities where HIV is still heavily stigmatized.
- Cultural taboos, fear, and misinformation often discourage routine testing, particularly in older Latino populations.
- Not knowing one’s status delays access to life-saving treatment and increases health risks over time.
This data underscores the urgent need for targeted HIV testing campaigns, especially for older Latinos, that are culturally sensitive, judgment-free, and easily accessible. Knowing your status is a powerful first step — at any age.
