Advice on Aging Well With HIV

Nelson Vergel, 51, Houston, Texas; Diagnosed in 1986

As a man living with HIV for 28 years, besides the obvious (taking your meds on time, not using street drugs, etc), the two main suggestions I have are to stay ahead of the game with proper information and to find passion in life. The former means staying educated about health by reading and going to lectures, having a strong self-advocacy with your medical care system and becoming a partner with your physician. We are all getting older and some of us may be lucky enough to remain independent and strong as we successfully age with HIV. Passion is the best medicine for healthy aging. Some of us find it early in life and some others still struggle to find it even later in life. But whatever it is that makes you tick, embrace it and feed it. It will motivate you to go through life even when the going gets tough.

Ask Nelson your questions at the Aging With HIV or Nutrition and Exercise forums. Also read his blog or visit his website for more health advice.