Older people and HIV/AIDS

Several of the Madrid indicators focus on how HIV and AIDS affect older people, looking at prevalence, information, statistics, and training programmes.

In some countries, older people can be significantly affected by HIV/AIDS. For example, after their children die from AIDs, older people can find themselves responsible for the fulltime care of their grandchildren. The grandchildren might also have HIV/AIDs.

This is not a significant issue for older people in New Zealand. Nor is HIV/AIDS a significant health risk for older people, even though older people are diagnosed with the infection.

The Ministry of Health told us that people with HIV/AIDS receive very good health services. As a result, they're living longer and healthier lives than was expected a decade ago. This means that there will be a greater number of people with HIV/AIDS reaching older ages.

We haven't seen cause for concern here in terms of New Zealand's preparedness. If we're missing something, please let us know.