Engaged is our second DVD targeting older adults. It reinforces the need to address HIV for adults 50 and older and offers new strategies for doing so. Most scenes take place in a community center, where a group of friends is planning a surprise engagement party.  This guide will:

• Help those who are facilitating discussion groups or trainings that utilize the “Engaged” DVD.
• Present factual information and talking points that can be helpful in a focused and respectful exchange.
• Encourage integration of prior knowledge, learning styles, strengths, and needs of participants.
• Cultivate critical thought and leadership skills to deal with controversial topics.
• Encourage long-term commitment to behavior change instead of short-term information retention.
• Help viewers understand the need for HIV prevention interventions for older adults.
• Allow participants to discuss the Stages of Change Model as it applies to the characters in the story.
• Encourage facilitators to participate as both guides and co-learners.

How to use this guide

It is best to show the DVD at least a week prior to the group discussion. Encourage participants to take notes while watching, and allow at least 45 minutes for the discussion. It may be helpful to note the best ideas raised in the discussion, for follow-up meetings or action steps.

We encourage facilitators to be creative in adapting the materials to fit each discussion, audience, and time available. But it may be convenient simply to follow this guide’s sequence. The guide can be used in a variety of formats to ensure a dynamic interaction, rather than a one-way transfer of information to passive learners. Participants can simply follow the outlined sequence in the guide. They can also be divided into small groups, with each group assigned

Suggested discussion format

Characters discuss their own stories. Some disclose their HIV status; some do not. The story, using fictional characters, presents the conflicts and turmoil that can result from openly discussing HIV. It’s a sobering representation of the urgency of addressing HIV prevention, testing, and education in older adults.

This guide will assist you in starting thought-provoking discussions about HIV prevention among older adults. People who watch the video are encouraged to share their reactions, feelings, and viewpoints.one portion of the DVD. After 5 to 10 minutes, each group can report back to the entire group and the facilitator can encourage questions and comments from everyone.

Participants who wish to practice staging using the Stages of Change Model will have a chance to do so in the “Provider’s Corner.” The principles of adult learning can help further the discussion of HIV prevention among people 50 and older. For example, adults have a foundation of experience and knowledge,
such as work-related activities, family responsibilities, and previous education. They need to connect new learning to this knowledge and experience base. It’s important to draw out the experience and knowledge
they have that is relevant to this topic.