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Welcome to my aging with HIV web page, sponsored by my non profit Program for Wellness Restoration- POWER (add link: www.powerusa.org).  I have been HIV+ since 1983 and like you, also aging with HIV.  My goal is to include information on this web site that you can use now to slow down the effects of aging and ensure that we grow strong as we wait for the cure.

Growing old and staying fit and healthy can be tricky. Doing all of this while living with HIV can present its own unique set of challenges. Currently about 28 percent of people living with HIV are over 50, and by 2017, that number is expected to increase to 50 percent. The good news in all these numbers is that there will be more and more resources available for people aging with HIV, and if you are over 50 and living with HIV, you are not alone.

There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that HIV accelerates the aging process. It makes sense that if your body is fighting off a virus for many years, as well as consuming toxic medications, this will take its toll. Aging is inevitable, but the best way to maintain good health as you age is to keep well-informed and be an active participant in your health care. This means preventative care, regular exams and keeping informed about blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density, cardiovascular health and hormone levels. Testosterone can have a major impact on energy, libido and muscle mass, so it’s essential to maintain healthy levels. Make sure to have your doctor monitor your testosterone level, and if it’s low, you can replace it with gels or injections.

Taking daily medications has become a standard part of living with HIV, and it’s important to understand what impact these medications have on your body. It’s not just the antivirals—it’s also meds for high blood pressure, cholesterol and depression. Communicating with your doctor about side effects and drug interactions will help keep you on top of any issues that arise.