Older Carers
This section looks at issues relating to older people who provide care for orphans and other vulnerable children. Other sections look, in general, at issues facing carers and in detail at child-headed households
Key points about older people and HIV/AIDS are:
- Older people are sexually active and vulnerable to being infected with HIV. They also take on much of the burden of caring for children and sick adults. Much of this burden falls on women.
- Poverty is the main problem facing most older carers. Their income is often declining because of age. Their caring responsibilities mean they have less time available to generate income.
Older People and HIV/AIDS
Older people are sexually active and vulnerable to being infected with HIV. They also take on much of the burden of caring for children and sick adults. Much of this burden falls on women.
Poverty and Older Carers
Poverty is the main problem facing most older carers. Their income is often declining because of age. Their caring responsibilities mean they have less time available to generate income.
Other Issues
Other issues affecting older carers include:
- Stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. In some situations, older people have been accused of witchcraft because of this.
- Older people may be denied their rights. These rights include access to information and health care. They also involve being treated equally and fairly.
- Older people may also be frail and in need of care and support themselves.
- Information about HIV/AIDS is rarely focused on older people.
- Research into HIV/AIDS and its effects often excludes older people.
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