Optimising the health and wellbeing of older people living with HIV in the United Kingdom

Abstract

In the UK, people living with HIV (PLWH) who are promptly diagnosed and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) have a near-normal life-expectancy. Older PLWH (aged =50 years) constitute an increasing proportion of the UK HIV cohort, and will soon be the largest age group. This review discusses recent literature on HIV and ageing, and implications for optimising the health and wellbeing of older PLWH in the UK (including those diagnosed at an older age). It includes the aetiology of ageing in PLWH, multimorbidity and frailty, and long-term survivors’ issues, in addition to polypharmacy and other medication-related problems (e.g. drug–drug interactions). The role of the pharmacist, medicines optimisation, and models of care are all discussed in relation to the ageing population of PLWH. The review does not cover the management of specific comorbidities.