Here's what people living and ageing with HIV can do to help stay well:

Stay active: We can find something we enjoy doing that matches our fitness level. Being active helps us stay flexible, strong, and balanced, keeps our heart healthy, and helps us maintain a healthy weight. It can also make us feel happier, less stressed, and sharper in our thinking. We could try activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or gardening.

Eat well: A balanced diet keeps our immune system strong, our digestion working well, and gives us more energy. Avoiding heavily processed, high trans-fat, and high sugar foods is a good idea.

Manage stress: Stress affects our health, though it's tough to eliminate it entirely. Techniques like mindfulness, setting boundaries, and spending time with others can help. If stress gets overwhelming, it's okay to ask for help.

Minimise recreational drugs: Using recreational drugs can potentially impact our mental health and may interact with HIV medication. Drugs such as cannabis or cocaine can pose risks when combined with HIV treatments. If we use recreational drugs, it is important to inform our HIV doctor so they can talk through the potential risks.

Cut down on alcohol, smoking, and vaping: These can harm our body. Reducing or quitting drinking, smoking, and vaping is important for our overall well-being.

Get regular check-ups: Regular health screenings like blood tests to check kidneys and liver function, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, sugar levels, and bone health are all important and they help catch problems early and can be treated properly. Enrolling in screening programmes for cancers in the breasts, cervix, rectum, and prostate is also a good idea. Health checks include mental health too. Check out the recommended General health screenings for People living with HIV aged 50+

Keep up to date with vaccinations: The Immunisation Advisory Centre provides a list of Recommended Immunisations for Adults with HIV Infection .

Build trusted relationships: Try to attend appointments with our HIV specialist and keep in touch so we can access the latest HIV research and treatment information, and ensure we are getting everything our physical bodies need.

Up the self-care: Doing things that make us feel good, getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, or treating ourselves to something nice are all part of self-care and help keep us healthy.