Worldwide approximately 3.6 million people aged 50 and older are living and ageing with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Few studies have explored successful ageing from the insider perspective of those living well and ageing with HIV. This study draws upon the lived experience and wisdom of older, HIV-positive adults living in Ontario, Canada in order to understand their views and strategies for successful ageing. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 30 individuals age 50 years and older who are HIV-positive. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit individuals who shared their experiences of successful ageing. Constructivist grounded theory coding techniques were used for analysis. Themes related to successful ageing included resilience strategies and challenges, social support and environmental context. Stigma and struggles to maintain health were identified as impediments to successful ageing. Models of successful ageing must take into account the potential for a subjective appraisal of success in populations suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses including HIV. Practitioners can draw upon organically existent strengths in this population in order to provide intervention development for older adults around the world who are struggling to manage their HIV.

Background: We examined the effects of home-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression on anxiety symptoms in anethnically diverse, low resource, and medically frail sample of rural, older adults. Method: This was a secondary analysis of a randomized clincial trial with 134 rural-dwelling adults 65 years and older with decreased quality of life and elevated psychological symptomatology. Anxiety symptoms were assessed with the anxiety and phobic anxiety subscales of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). Results: Compared to a minimal support control condition, CBTfor depression resulted in significantly greater improvements in symptoms of anxiety and phobic anxiety from pre-treatment to post-treatment. Conclusion: Home-delivered CBT for depression can be an effective treatment for anxiety in a hard-to-reach older populations.

The National Institutes of Health human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Aging Working Group identified spirituality as a research emphasis. This qualitative study examines the importance of religion and spirituality among 30 HIV-positive older adults. Using modified grounded theory, adults 50+ were recruited in Ontario, Canada, through AIDS service organizations, clinics, and community agencies. Descriptions of religion and spirituality encapsulated the idea of a journey, which had two components: the long-term HIV survivor profile combined with the experience of aging itself. A final category of HIV as a spiritual journey was finalized through consensus and included the properties of (1) being rejected by as well as rejection of formalized religion, (2) differentiating spirituality from religion, (3) having a connection, (4) feeling grateful, and (5) mindfulness and learning new skills. Interventions fostering resilience and strengths in HIV-positive older adults using spirituality should be considered, including the promotion of person-centered spirituality and interventions that include mindfulness and skill building.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess older adults' (OAs') attitudes toward depression screening in primary care settings with a survey and explore the impact of an educational pamphlet on these attitudes. Methods: Older adults above age 55 (N = 140) were randomly stratified by sex to an intervention or control group. The study included a baseline assessment, posttest, the Geriatric Depression ScaleShort Form, a two-page pamphlet on health and mood, and a 10-question quiz.Results: On the basis of survey responses, most participants (93.6%) were willing to complete a depression screen at their doctor's office, and 92.1% perceived depression screening as valuable to their health care. Participants rated the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form positively. The survey also provided information on how screening could be conducted in primary care settings to maximize OAs' comfort. Participants preferred screening in the waiting room or examination room instead of the nurse's station. Those receiving the pamphlet became significantly more willing to be screened for depression than those who did not, F(1, 134) = 4.47, p = 0.04. Conclusion: Most OAs appear receptive to completing a depression screen in primary care settings. Educating OAs about the value of depression screening and tailoring recognition systems to account for preferences may be an initial step in improving recognition rates.