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Now 78, diagnosed in 1985. Never let myself go down the rabbit hole of my life is over or let HIV get in the way of my goals. Sometimes it was difficult, but life is in general. I would love to be interviewed about aging. During that time, I earned my $2M+ asset base, retired at 48 (health issues) but now far better. Sadly widowed twice, but have lots of really dear friends and a wonderful family. Have a lake house. Travel as I please. Cosmetically reduce aging. I don't live with regrets.
At age 59 I recently accepted a job as Peer Support worker at my local HIV/AIDS Support Agency. They wanted someone with a wealth of lived experience and I was a good fit. It's been a great way to give back and also keep busy.
As a long term survivor, I am a bit disheartened that some people still think older people aren’t long term survivors. To each their own I suppose. I am positive 40 years and have never had any HIV related illness in all that time. I have had negative experiences dating negative Gay men. I wish it were different. They run from me although undetectable since 1998. I just want to put my experience out there.
I am 80 years and work 6-7 days a week. I try to regularly exercise. Am fairly successful. I eat fairly well see the doctor every 3 months for full blood work. Have survived kidney cancer, half kidney removed , am going through colon cancer. Going for six month post surgery next week. I am determined. 2 brothers one older one younger. both deceased. Psychotherapist, church musician. I feel very blest. I have great physicians. Am single.
I am 64 years old white male. I had something that the world didn’t know of back then. Year later, they told me I had AIDS and had no idea what they were talking about. They pulled my CDL license for me and made me stop working put me on Social Security and I was hospitalized six months later and they gave me 9 o’clock that night. I wouldn’t be here. I don’t know how many times I went through that word, the doctor says I’m not gonna make it out of the hospital. I still made it. Out of space
Successful aging with HIV? Diagnosed 1985.Decided to fight IT, not give in. Stayed focused on my future. Worked really hard. Saved money. Maxed up my disability insurance. Even bough a vacation home 2 years after diagnosis. Retired on disability in 1995 in good shape financially with my disability insurance and money I earned and saved. Totally compliant with meds and Drs recommendations. Stayed very busy with friends, family and life. Worked through any setbacks. Still enjoying life at 77.
Diagnosed in 1985, and am now 77. In 1985 Drs said get your affairs in order. I was very aggressive getting treatments, not all good, but planned for my future anyway. Bumpy train ride with some setbacks, but I have prevailed, most thankfully. Certainly the early drugs have taken their toll, but I still enjoy today and look forward to my future. I never forget that I am HIV+, but I use that to take care of myself and avoid unhealthy things and thoughts. Glad poz aging is being discussed.
Eettap
I'm 71 with HIV and in better shape than anyone i know who is 40 or 50. I have a tiny bit of high blood presssure and thats it. I'm barely starting to feel like i might be old. The key is nutrition, nutrition, nutrition.
March 11, 2026 • Colorado