Faith can move mountains and make the seemingly impossible possible.
There are people who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses and given a short time to live, only to survive for many years — sometimes even outliving the doctors who gave them those predictions.
A positive and resilient mindset cannot replace medical treatment, but it can play an important role alongside it.
For older people living with HIV, maintaining hope, purpose and a positive outlook can make the journey of ageing more fulfilling.
Old age is a natural stage of life, but it affects everyone differently.
For people living with HIV, ageing can present particular challenges, including health concerns, stigma, loneliness and the emotional burden associated with living with a condition that has historically been heavily stigmatised.
Much of the stigma surrounding HIV stems from the misconception that infection is necessarily a reflection of someone’s behaviour or character.
This can make some older people uncomfortable about seeking treatment or even being seen collecting antiretroviral therapy (ART) at health facilities.
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I am fortunate to have lived with HIV from my young adulthood, through middle age and into my late adulthood.
I am now retired from teaching, and over the years I have learnt, through personal experience and observation, some of the challenges faced by older people living with HIV and ways of dealing with them.
One of the major challenges is widowhood.
Losing a partner after spending decades together can be devastating.
Loneliness can affect one’s emotional, mental and physical wellbeing, particularly when the surviving partner suddenly has to adjust to life alone.
Adult children can also become a source of tension, particularly when they struggle to accept that their widowed parent may still desire companionship or even a new relationship.
While children may act out of love and concern, they should also recognise that their parents remain individuals with their own emotional and social needs.
My advice to older people living with HIV is simple: remember that you are still a person with dignity, rights, dreams and choices.
Living with HIV is not a crime and should never be a reason to withdraw from life. With effective treatment and proper medical care, people living with HIV can live long and fulfilling lives.
Older people should, therefore, take their health seriously.
Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly within your physical capacity, take medication as prescribed, attend medical appointments and avoid situations that unnecessarily put your physical or emotional health at risk.
For those who have lost partners and are considering remarriage or a new relationship, the decision should be approached carefully and responsibly.
Age should not prevent anyone from seeking companionship, but relationships should be built on honesty, mutual respect, trust and shared understanding.
For people living with HIV, disclosure, safer sex and adherence to treatment are particularly important in relationships.
A new relationship should bring companionship and happiness rather than unnecessary stress, financial exploitation or health risks.
Older people should also avoid trying to compete with younger generations in every aspect of life.
Age comes with wisdom and experience, and there is nothing wrong with accepting one’s changing physical capabilities.
This does not mean becoming inactive.
Older people can remain useful and engaged in their communities. Participate in community activities, visit sick friends and relatives, attend funerals and maintain social connections for as long as your health allows.
There may come a time when travelling becomes difficult, but the relationships you build today will ensure that people remember you and continue to care about you.
Faith can also provide an important source of strength. Have a place of worship where you feel accepted and participate in religious activities whenever your health permits.
Perhaps most importantly, learn to manage anger and let go of old grudges. Forgive where possible and surround yourself with people who bring happiness and encouragement into your life. At the same time, try to be a source of happiness to others.
Enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Eat the foods you enjoy within the limits of a healthy diet.
Treat yourself occasionally when finances permit. Laugh, talk to friends and celebrate the small victories of life.
And never underestimate the importance of friendship.
Older people living with HIV should build networks of people they can rely on when life becomes difficult — friends at the clinic, church, community, neighbourhood or local shops.
Having people who understand you and can offer practical or emotional support during difficult moments can make a significant difference.
Ageing with HIV may present challenges, but it does not have to mean withdrawing from life.
Take your treatment. Protect your health. Maintain friendships. Seek help when you need it. Forgive. Love. Laugh. Keep your faith.
Above all, remain positive and resilient. There is still life to be lived.
- *Piason Maringwa is an HIV champion based in Gokwe South, who fights stigma, promotes treatment adherence and educates communities to improve the lives of people living with HIV. He can be reached on +263774322043
