Investigators: Pranitha Maharaj, PI, Chantal Munthree, Co-I.
Description:
There is growing evidence that older people are increasing infected by HIV. However, despite the significant numbers of AIDS deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, relatively little is known about the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS among older men and women in this region. In many societies, older people are often stereotyped as being non-sexual beings and it is largely because of these beliefs that they tend to be marginalized by prevention programmes. It is important to uncover the age stereotypes that make it difficult to reach and inform older men and women about HIV/AIDS. Given that little is known about the risk of HIV among older people this study will fill a significant gap in the literature. Understanding the factors influencing their risk of HIV infection may lend new insights into their perspectives and behaviour as well as provide insights into how prevention programmes may be mobilized in the future to better serve the needs of older men and women.
Given the lack of public health and social security programmes in developing countries, the family is often the primary – and sometimes only- source of support. In many families, older people are often assuming roles as caregivers to the sick and dying since state cash transfers are available only to a small proportion of the population. What is most striking is that it appears that this care is often provided in the context of many of the other challenges frequently confronting people in their old age including high levels of poverty. Thus far, however, the story of caregivers has largely gone untold. This study hopes to address this gap by trying to understand the multiple impacts of AIDS on older men and women who are currently, have been in the past, or may be in the future, caregivers to their partners, children, grandchildren and other members of their family
Coverage: South Africa.
Related Publications
Maharaj, Pranitha, and M Rogan. 2007. “Longer Working Life: Greater Productivity and More Skills.” South African Labour Bulletin 31(2):35-38.
Munthree, Chantal, and Pranitha Maharaj. 2010. “Growing Old in the Era of a High Prevalence of HIV/AIDS: The Impact of AIDS on Older Men and Women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.” Research on Aging 32(2):155-174.