Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to shed insights into the impact of HIV/AIDS on older people in Uganda. The study employed a mixed method approach using both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings suggest that the older population are overwhelmed by their situation. They are directly affected because AIDS is killing their children and spouses, and leaving them with a huge burden of caring for orphaned children. They are not only suffering the economic effects but also emotional and psychological stress. Some are also grappling with their own HIV status. Most elderly people use food cultivation as a mechanism for coping with the burden of orphans. These results lead to recommending that government should economically empower elderly people through the formulation and effective implementation of welfare policies.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Abrahams, D., & Pia, M. (2002). AIDS and trends in food production in Sub Saharan Africa. Rome: FAO.
Ainsworth, M., & Dayton, J. (2000). Is the AIDS pandemic having an impact on the coping behaviour and health status of the elderly? Evidence from Northwestern Tanzania. Geneva: USAID.
Alun, W. (2003). Ageing and poverty in Africa. Ugandan livelihoods in a time of HIV/AIDS. Hampshire: Ashgate Publishing Company.
Alun, W., & Tumwekwase, G. (2001). Multiple impacts of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the aged in the rural Uganda. Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology, 16(3), 221–236.
Antonucci, T. C., Okorodudu, C., & Akiyama, H. (2002). Well-being among older adults on different continents. Journal of Social Issues, 58(4), 617–626.
Apt, N. A. (1996). Coping with old age in a changing Africa. Aldershot, UK: Avebury.
Atekyereza, P. R., & Kirumira, E. K. (2004). The impact of the AIDS pandemic on families and family coping strategies in Uganda. Research Review, 15, 33–44.
Baden, S., & Wach, H. (1998). Gender, HIV/AIDS transmission and impacts: A review of issues and evidence. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies.
Baryayebwa, H., & Barugahare, W. (2002). Health needs of older persons: An assessment report on Kamuli and Wakiso districts. Kampala, Uganda: Government of Uganda.
Bekunda, R., Kibaalya, W., Rwibasira, J., Asaba, S., Haag, A., Camilo, M., et al. (2004). The burden of HIV/AIDS on the elderly in a rural setting: A case of AFXB Luweero-Uganda. International Conference on AIDS. 11–16 July.
Best, K. (2002). HIV/AIDS does not spare older people. Network, 22(1), 26–28.
HelpAge International. (2006). AIDS: The frontline. Supporting older people living with HIV/AIDS and orphaned children in Mozambique, South Africa and Sudan. London: HelpAge International.
HelpAge International. (2008a). Ageing issues in Africa: A summary. London: HelpAge International.
HelpAge International. (2008b). An untapped resource: How supporting older people with social protection will help achieve the millennium development goals. London: HelpAge International. http://www.chronicpoverty.org/pdfs/2003conferencepapers/Mulwinda.pdf. Accessed 25 Apr 2007.
Kanyoni, M., & Phillips, J. (2009). Factors associated with physical activity levels among older adults in selected institutions in Rwanda. Journal of Community and Health Sciences, 4(1), 8–14.
Kawuma, E. (2011). Impact of HIV/AIDS on older persons—current evidence. Paper presented at the National consultative meeting on mainstreaming ageing into HIV/AIDS Responses. Kampala, Uganda. 27–29 Apr 2011.
Kiiza-Wamala, J. (2008). The needs of older carers. Paper presented at the National consultative meeting on older carers of OVCs/PLWA. Kampala, Uganda. 19 November.
Knodel, J. E. (2008). Poverty and the impact of AIDS on older persons: evidence from Cambodia and Thailand. Economic Development and Cultural Change, 56(2), 441–475.
Knodel, J., Saengtienchai, C., Im-em, W., & Van Landingham, M. (2001). The impact of AIDS on parents and families in Thailand: a key informant approach. Research on Aging, 23(6), 633–670.
Kollapan, J. (2008). The rights of older people—African perspective. http://www.globalaging.org/elderrights/world/2008/africa.pdf. Accessed 13 Oct 2011.
Lwanga-Ntale, C., & Kimberley, M. (2003). The face of chronic poverty in Uganda as seen by the poor themselves. Manchester, UK: Chronic Poverty Research Centre.
Mugambe, B. (2006). Targeting and protecting the chronically poor in Uganda: A case for the elderly. Policy Brief No. 3. Manchester, UK: Chronic Poverty Research Centre in Uganda.
Najjumba-Mulindwa, I. (2004). Chronic poverty among the elderly in Uganda: Perceptions, experiences and policy issues. Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics, Makerere University. http://cprc.abrc.co.uk/pubfiles/Mulinda.pdf Accessed 28 May 2012.
Nankwanga, A. (2011). Exploration of needs, problems and living experiences of older persons in Uganda: Implications for policy and decision makers. South Africa: University of Western Cape.
Tavengwa-Nhongo, M. (2004). Impact of HIV/AIDS on generational roles and intergenerational relationships. Paper presented at the National Council Workshop on HIV/AIDS and Family Well-being. Windhoek, Namibia, 28–30 January.
The Republic of Uganda. (2007). State of Uganda population report 2007. Planned urbanization for Uganda’s growing population. http://www.popsec.org/documents/State%20of%20Uganda%20Population%20Report%202007.pdf. Accessed 17 Oct 2011.
Uganda Bureau of Statistic (UBOS). (2007). Uganda demographic and health survey 2006. Kampala, Uganda: UBOS.
Uganda Reach the Aged Association. (2010). Advocacy and the older persons in Uganda. Kampala, Uganda: URAA.
UNAIDS. (2010). Report on the global AIDS pandemic. Geneva: UNAIDS.
UNICEF. (2010). Uganda. Statistics. http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/uganda_statistics.html. Accessed 17 Oct 2011.
Velkof, A. V., & Kowal, P. R. (2007). Population Ageing in Sub-Saharan Africa: Demographic dimension 2006. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Nankwanga, A., Neema, S., Phillips, J. (2013). The Impact of HIV/AIDS on Older Persons in Uganda. In: Maharaj, P. (eds) Aging and Health in Africa. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 4. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8357-2_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8357-2_7
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-8356-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-8357-2
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and LawSocial Sciences (R0)