Some HIV patients could now have near-normal life expectancy because of advancements in treatments. A study published in The Lancet HIV medical journal found antiretroviral drugs from a young age can increase lifespan by 10 years. Patients who started antiretroviral therapy at age 20 in 2010 are projected to live 10 years longer than those who started the treatment in 1996. Despite the increase in life expectancy, people with HIV are still expected to live less than the general population.