Abstract
<jats:p>Telomere, also known as a “molecular clock”, is a specific, unique cap-like structure of nucleoprotein with repetitive, noncoding, guanine-rich tandem of nucleotide sequences of DNA-protein located at the ends of chromosomes fashioned in a duplex “D-loop-T-loop” appearance. The dynamic and equilibrium of telomere homeostasis is a function of competing pro-telomere lengthening and pro-telomere shortening factors in determining the telomere length and telomerase activity. While many studies have been done on telomere dynamics, few have been done on telomeres and HIV with a stark gap in knowledge on the impact lifestyle modifications have on the telomeres of people living with HIV. Development of “telomere check kits” in the future will go a long way to put the “molecular clock” within our reach and be directly involved and aware of where we are in the “time or clock” of our life. Having extensively and comprehensively reviewed the healthy lifestyle and the improvement of telomere length and enhancement of telomerase activity that can result in promoting longevity and maximizing health-related quality of life, a full integration of lifestyle modifications as part of the management of HIV disease is long overdue.</jats:p>