Healthy Aging Programs
Healthy Aging & Wellness for folx (50+) living with HIV.
Over 55% of all CHN clients receiving supportive services are aged 50 years and older. The advent of effective antiretroviral therapy has led to dramatic improvements in life expectancy for Persons Living with HIV (PLWH). While effective treatments have drastically improved the quantity of life for PLWH, aging with HIV is associated with significant challenges that impact quality of life. To address these challenges, the Healthy Aging Program at CHN prioritizes supportive services that are tailored to the unique needs of older clients. In addition, we conduct research to advance the development of new and innovative programs. Through research, education, and advocacy, the Healthy Aging program fosters the open exchange and dissemination of information from scientific communities to CHN and to older clients living with HIV.
PATH 2 Wellness (People Aging and Thriving w/ HIV)
CHN’s PATH 2 Wellness Program aims to improve the physical and mental health outcomes of older adults (aged 50 years and older) living with HIV, throughout Colorado. The three components of the program include:
• PATH 2 Movement: To support and engage you in regular physical activity.
• PATH 2 Connection: To address the need for social engagement and support.
• PATH 2 Nutrition: To support nutritional health.
PATH 2 Movement
What we do to support Physical Activity: Clients participating in Healthy Aging will be provided with a fitness tracker to support regular participation in physical activity opportunities. These include: Walking challenges- Clients will be asked to report daily step counts for the prior week, and are encouraged to increase their step goal each week. Low impact exercise classes- Each week, CHN will host in-person and virtual exercise classes led by certified instructors. Group walking tours- Healthy Aging will coordinate biweekly group walking tours around Denver Botanic Gardens and a number of other outdoor spaces.
PATH 2 Connection
What we do to support Social Connection: Healthy Aging personnel will facilitate semi-weekly, virtual, or in-person focus groups for a 1-2 hour period. These groups create opportunities for virtual and in-person socialization. Along with the socialization aspect, the groups also serve as a time for Healthy Aging staff to present on issues related to healthy aging. Topics include fall prevention, nutrition, advanced care planning, etc.
PATH 2 Nutrition
What we do to support Nutritional Counseling: Clients that are participating in the Healthy Aging program will be provided with a few hours of nutritional counseling with a licensed nutritional counselor. Clients will work with the nutritional counselor to coordinate a personalized plan to help improve their nutritional status. In addition, the nutritional counselors will work with the client on achieving nutritional goals, assess progress, and provide advice and feedback to target the root of any challenges that they may be facing.
Learn more about these programs
To register for activities or learn more about Healthy Aging, contact:
Haley Sanner, Healthy Aging Program Manager
[email protected]
303-962-5336
or
Parker Sturm, Aging Services Coordinator
[email protected]
303-962-4469
303.962.5336
Learn more about HIV and Aging in the United States
Visit the US Department of Health and Human Services site to learn more about the impacts of HIV among older adults.