Does ageing affect HIV in adults?

About half the people living with HIV in the UK are over 50.

Some of us have been positive for many years and others only recently became positive.

Having an undetectable viral load on ART is especially important for those of us who are older.

Ageing is related to health problems, and these can overlap with complications from HIV.

Your HIV doctor and pharmacist can help make sure any other medicines also work with ART.

Leading a healthier lifestyle can make ageing easier.

This includes keeping mentally and physically active, eating a healthy balanced diet, sleeping well and not smoking etc.

I was very scared of treatment. I did not think it worked cause I had just arrived from Zimbabwe.

I came to the UK after my husband died and I needed treatment immediately. I told my doctor that I did not want to be on d4T and ddI and he just laughed because these drugs were no longer in use in this country. It is amazing what the disparity of wealth does to countries.

I never used to read about the meds I was given, but after my experience with efavirenz (which I changed), I now read every detail on every drug.

Now I tell everyone they are fantastic because they have given me a new lease of life.

— Hosanna, UK

Last updated: 1 June 2022.