Coping with love: Older people and HIV and AIDS in Thailand

Thailand's AIDS epidemic has received a lot of attention over the last decade. However, little information exists about the impact of HIV and AIDS on older people.

HelpAge International has worked with older people affected by HIV and AIDS in Northern Thailand since 1996 gaining first-hand knowledge of the negative effects of HIV and AIDS on the older population and the multiple roles older people play to mitigate against the impacts of the epidemic on their families and communities.

This report presents the findings of research carried out in Sankampaeng, Mae Wang and Muang districts in northern Thailand. It highlights the issues faced by older people affected by HIV and AIDS, the contributions they are making to their households, and the lack of services and support available to older people affected by HIV and AIDS.

The report is intended for policy makers in government,
donor organisations, civil society and age care organisations to help them better understand the links between old age, poverty and HIV and AIDS in Thailand. It aims to bring about appropriate responses to support the needs and roles of older people in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The report is divided into seven sections. It provides background information on HIV and AIDS in Thailand (including the number of older people affected) and research methodology. Interviews and focus group discussions demonstrate the range of ways in which older people are affected by HIV and AIDS, their significant caregiving role and the affect HIV and AIDS has on household income.

The report highlights older people's concerns, including lack of knowledge about the epidemic, lack of income security, the burden of caregiving and the strain HIV and AIDS places on family and community relationships, and looks at how older people are perceived in the community.

It examines community projects, looking at the reasons why there are so few programmes that target the older population. The report concludes with key recommendations to form the basis of an agenda for action to improve the lives of older people affected by HIV and AIDS.

Download Coping with love: Older people and HV and AIDS in Thailand (407kb)