Introduction: Palm Springs, California, is a retirement community with the highest prevalence of older people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in the nation. We obtained funding to engage the local stakeholder community around HIV and aging for future comparative effectiveness research. We conducted focus groups to inform citizen panels in which participants will choose a specific research project to pursue. Methods: PLWHIV aged 55 years or were recruited for a focus group to identify the major health issues, resiliencies, and priority HIV and aging-related health topics in the region. Resiliencies, resources and behavioral choices that contributed to aging healthily with HIV were discussed. The focus groups were facilitated by trained community members, and short demographic survey was administered prior to the focus group. Results: A total of 10 male individuals with a mean age of 66 years participated in the focus group. Half of participants identified as white, 20% Hispanic, and the remainder were one or more race. The majority (70%) reported completing university studies. Exercise, community involvement, and pursuing hobbies were behaviors that participants identified as contributing to resiliency. In addition, a supportive community, including friends, competent medical care, and other forms of social support and resources were common themes. Conclusions: PLWHIV discussed the important resiliencies, resources and behaviors that allow them to healthfully age with HIV. Many of these were services in the community and social support. These results establish the importance of a focus on resiliencies rather than illness as people continue to live longer with HIV