The loss of the middle ground: The impact of crises and HIV and AIDS on skipped generation households

The global number of older people is growing at an unprecedented rate as a result of increased life expectancy. By 2050 there will be more than two billion people over 60, representing 22% of the global population, and doubling present numbers.

Older people have needs that are distinct from those of younger generations. They may be disproportionately vulnerable during crises and at risk of abuse and neglect, and there is a lack of understanding of their rights and entitlements. Yet older people make key contributions to society.

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the region most affected by HIV and AIDS, accounting for 68% of adults and 90% of children worldwide living with HIV (UNAIDS, 2007). HIV and AIDS and other crises that disproportionately kill working-age adults also impact older people. At a time in their lives when many older people might expect to be supported and cared for by their children, a growing number are instead caring for younger adults living with HIV, and for the orphans and vulnerable children they leave behind.

HIV and AIDS has led to an increase in "skipped generation" households - households made up of the old and the young. However, relatively little is known about the livelihoods and coping strategies of such households, how they are affected during emergencies, the role of community based support structures in assisting these households and how emergency preparedness
and response could better address their needs.

To address these gaps in knowledge, HelpAge International, the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), carried out a study to improve understanding on how these households cope during emergencies, and to provide recommendations on how emergency preparedness and response can better meet the needs of such households in the east and southern African region.

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