Growing older

People with HIV are living longer and healthier lives. HIV is no longer the death sentence it once was. Life expectancy is becoming closer to that of people without HIV.

Long term prospects

Long-term prospects for people with HIV are improved by:

  • Earlier diagnosis
  • Effective treatments
  • Going on the right treatment at the right time
  • Taking HIV treatments properly
  • Taking care of your own health by eating healthily and exercising regularly

Growing older for many people might involve poorer health, reduced income, and fear for the future. Health care may become more complex due to conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, some forms of cancer, cardiovascular problems, and reduced bone density. These age-related conditions may be accelerated and complicated by HIV and HIV treatments. A good relationship with your clinic and GP means that these can be detected earlier and you can start to deal with them better.

Planning for old age

With good health care, you can probably work longer and plan for old age, retirement and drawing a pension. You will have a number of entitlements so make sure you don’t miss out.

Many people who have been living long-term with HIV believed they would never reach their 40s or 50s, but now you have every reason to look forward to life well into the future.

It is recommended that your GP is able to liaise with your specialist at your hospital . If you have concerns about this, ask at your clinic.

Find out more by checking with Age Scotland

Treatment & care

Treatment for HIV is not a cure, but it does help people to live longer and healthier lives.

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Treatment changes

For HIV treatments to work well, they need to change from time to time in line with the results of your CD4 count and viral load. At your regular clinic appointments and annual treatment review, these are monitored and any necessary changes made.

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