The National Resource Center for HIV & Aging first partnered with Northwestern University’s Dr. Margaret Danilovich for our National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day webinar https://aginghiv.org/fauci-keynotes-webinar-on-hiv-and-aging/
Dr. Margaret Danilovich’s presentation Why Being Active is the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Age Well with HIV focused on the importance of physical activity. She provided several examples of accessible exercises and personal goals. Subsequently these exercises classes have been provided on the Resource Center’s site.
With grant support from the US government Margaret has developed a series of exercises aimed at older adults. Dr. Margaret Danilovich’s Why Being Active is the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Age Well with HIV focused on the importance of physical activity. She provided several examples of accessible exercises and personal goals. Subsequently the 8-week exercise class for people aging with HIV were offered on this site from January 13th– March 3rd, 2021. Due to popular demand, we began another class cycle beginning on March 10th and running through April 28th. Partners, friends, and other allies of people aging with HIV are welcome to attend! We also welcome new as well as returning participants. No equipment is needed.
Margaret is a physical therapist with extensive experience teaching this class, which incorporates the evidence-based Otago Exercise Program (CJE Senior Life in Chicago). The program aims to increase strength and balance with the purpose of preventing falls plus other manifestations of frailty. Sixty-eight participants registered for our first cycle from across the USA- and one person even attended from across the pond in London! Margaret leads participants in exercises that progressively get more challenging as the weeks go on. The exercises she leads incorporate activities that are easy to do, yet activate the muscles required to ensure one retains as much mobility and strength as possible as one ages. Margaret is also attuned to how neuropathy often makes exercise challenging for people aging with HIV and provides according modifications.
After thirty minutes of exercises, there is an optional component where Margaret answers wellness questions plus participants are also able to socialize with one another. More information- including how to register if you are interested- is available here.