HIV/AIDS and older people 

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Key areas for policy and programme intervention include improving access to and utilization of services, and providing economic or income support to older people affected by HIV/AIDS.

A number of strategies and behaviours can be adopted to support the general capacity of older people to look after the sick and the AIDS orphans.

• Promote, maintain and improve the health of older persons, especially those with care-giving responsibilities;

• Provide older people with education and information on HIV/AIDS and related care issues;

• Provide psychological support and counselling for all care providers - health care workers and home-based caregivers;

• Reduce the double stigma (AIDS-related and ageism) and other prejudices among health care workers - particularly through training and education;

• Develop policies and initiatives to strengthen the capacity of older caregivers - such as economic support in the form of subsidies and education;

• Provide additional resources for the caregiver, including housing, medical care and food. 

The burden for Africa's older people
As a result of a lifetime of hardship, malnutrition, poverty and, in older age, a high risk of chronic diseases, older people in most African societies are a vulnerable group. The AIDS pandemic is now posing an additional burden on them, further increasing their vulnerability. In their old age, when they may need support and expect to be looked after, many of them may have to take on the role of caring for others, in most cases without even the basic necessary resources. Thus, their health is the most precious asset not only to them, but also to their families and communities. Lack of economic, social and psychological support combined with the inaccessibility of health services threatens their ability to provide the care expected from them. All efforts must be made to support and address the vulnerability of these older people, not least because it is they who are rearing the future adult generation - Africa's future human capital. 
  
Improving quality of life

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is having a heavy impact on older people. Both the infected and the caregiving older person struggle with limited resources and the stigma associated with the disease. 

The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for both groups. The best way to achieve this goal is to improve advocacy and support. Improved education for medical professionals, older people, family members and society as a whole is also essential. Governments, NGOs, academic institutions and other organizations can act as facilitators through their programmes, projects and policies.

This article is based on contributions from the Joint UN Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
  
For further information, please contact:

World Health Organization
Geneva, Switzerland
Dr Alexandre Kalache
Tel: (+41 22) 791 34 04
E-mail: kalachea@who.int

Robert de Graft Agyarko
Tel: (+41 22) 791 34 33
E-mail: agyarkor@who.int
Project Web page: http://www.who.int/hpr/ageing/hivimpact.htm
  
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Ageing Unit
Tel: (1-212) 963-0500
E-mail: sidorenko@un.org
  
Development and Human Rights Section
UN Department of Public Information
Tel: (1-212) 963-0499
E-mail: mediainfo@un.org
Published by the United Nations Department of Public Information DPI/2264 March 2002

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