It can be rerooted, if that's what you mean. Details are in the link:

http://faq.gardenweb.com/discussions/2765911/how-do-i-care-for-my-aloe-vera-plant

Ignore the balderdash about sand in the soil - that's not what should be used. A picture of the plant would be helpful.

thnx, I have about 9" of exposed stem, so cut back to 3", let it callus then root?

Picture, please.

here is the photo

The soil looks like it needs a lot of grit added to it. It looks very water retentive. This is not much growth for 30 years. Where are you located . I understand that aloes are not the best at growing indoors and northerners have a much harder time at growing aloes than people who live in warmer climes.

I understand the need for new soil. My question is about rooting/repotting. Do you know if I can bury the stem or do I need to cut it and root?

Cut it a few inches below the last leaf and follow the directions given in the link - you'll likely need to prop it up with rocks so that it roots properly.

Don't be surprised if it takes a couple of months to root at this time of year. It is usually better to cut and root aloes during periods of growth, not in the winter. I have rooted aloe in a pot of damp rock before. That gives a atmosphere of dampness but perfect drainage and darkness. I have rooted aloes just laying on a shady table. I do not start watering them (unless they are in the pot of rocks) till I see root nubs on them. Then I stick them in their pot to grow.

Are you in North Carolina? The nights are still pretty cool over there in those parts. It may be safest to wait until it warms up a bit, and withhold any watering.

The stem of your aloe looks pretty weak. I'm wondering if there is at least some rot or atrophy to the tissues there. You won't know until you cut into it.

It's a good looking plant up top, and holds lots of promise. If it was mine, I would (once temperatures warm up, maybe late March):

1) cut the stem 2-3" from the bottom leaf with a sharp and disinfected knife (10% bleach solution works fine), inspect for dark spots.

2) If you find dark spots, remove a couple of the lower leaves by peeling the whole leaf away (they wrap around the stem), exposing the growth joints. Do this until you can cut the stem to healthy green tissue. It may be best to cut to where the stem is straight and the aloe is upright. The stem stump that will be under soil level does not need to be straight- but it helps to support and balance while it reroots.

3) Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on the cut and allow the aloe to callous over the cut in a shady but well ventilated area for a day. I've found aloes need much less time to callous their wounds than other succulents. A shaded porch works great. Bring it inside overnight if temps fall below 50 or if it's raining, just to be safe.

4) Pot it up in a well draining mixture that is not damp. The bottom of the lower-most leaf can be touching the soil surface, but no lower. Some leaf contact with the soil helps the plant stay upright. Use some stones, chopsticks, BBQ skewers, etc. to support it in an upright position.

5) Place in a sheltered spot out of direct sun but with bright light for 2 weeks. You can mist the leaves and soil surface lightly to hold off desiccation. After two weeks, water the perimeter of the pot thoroughly, but not the base of the aloe.

6) Move to its intended location. If you want it in full sun, it's important to transition over the course of two weeks to full sun, moving it gradually to more sun exposure. This will prevent 'sunburn'. Water as needed. The leaves get a bit softer to the touch when it wants water. You should see new growth within 4-5 weeks.

* the aloe will change color, probably blush a rusty reddish color, in full sun.

These are all safety steps. I've decapitated too leggy aloes and potted them up immediately or planted in the ground, withholding water for about 2 weeks, without problem. But a 30 year old plant deserves a little bit of tenderness.

Best of luck!

Thanks y'all