Ageing is not a disease, it’s natural. Although challenging, we can adapt to the changes and strive to get the most out of life. When HIV is in the picture as well, there are additional social and medical challenges to consider.

Managing change—in our bodies and in our approach to life—can help us work through problems and live a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.

The impact of HIV on our bodies and on the immune system as we get older is greatly affected by ageing.

HIV affects each of us differently. Some people progress to symptoms very quickly, while others live for 20-plus years without any signs of immune suppression or symptoms.

Each of us ages differently as well. How well we age and how the ageing of our bodies’ impacts upon our health is unique to each of us. Therefore, HIV infection—coupled with natural ageing—creates added challenges for maintaining good health.

Ageing is a process that is natural for everyone—it’s the process of growing older. The process of ageing includes a reduction in strength, endurance, speed of reaction, agility, metabolism, sexual activity and hearing acuity. The bones become more brittle, the skin drier and less elastic, and the teeth may fall out. Ageing is associated with, or responsible for, the ever-increasing susceptibility to disease and death that accompanies advancing age. There has been increasing discussion and great debate about what age this increased susceptibility begins, and whether this is very different for people who live with HIV.

Click here to view the Ahead of Time  resource written specifically around growing older with HIV. Issues covered include medical challenges, social change, healthy living and support services.