AEGiS-15IAC: Role of Probus Clubs( Clubs for senior citizens-retired and retiring, sponsored by Rotary Clubs International ) in serving prevention of HIV spread and care & support.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Role of Probus Clubs( Clubs for senior citizens-retired and retiring, sponsored by Rotary Clubs International ) in serving prevention of HIV spread and care & support.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10176)

Sathyanarayanan B, Venkatachari K, Sukanya S, Sujatha BS
Sagodhar International, Chennai, India

ISSUES: There is an impression that work in prevention,care and support in the field HIV/AIDS are meant only for young and middle aged people, especially in reproductive groups. The idea of this abstract is to highlight that senior citizens are also suitable to work, some times better placed to work in this field.

DESCRIPTION: Normally, people above the age of sixty are considered non-productive. Most of them have in-frequent sex. and also mostly single partnered. Their chances of meeting with HIV infection is far low. Even when they are infected, further spread can be minimised because of want of sexual partners on one hand and reproductive capacity on the other. Most of the psychological and social problems are avoided here. These factors will encourage many elders to come forward to work in this field. Also they have wide knowledge and experience. They have enough time, money and energy to work without expecting monetary benefits. They are very influential in society.

LESSONS LEARNED: The author of this abstract is a member of PROBUS CLUB OF MADRAS (sponsored by ROTARY CLUB OF MADRAS) meant for senior citizens It has nearly 250 elite members, mostly retired Government top officials and their spouses. Both Rotary club and Probus clubs are extending their services in several areas for the poor and the down-trodden. They are ready to contribute their energy and time to fight the spread of the pandemic, care and support of the infected and affected.

RECOMMENDATIONS: United Nations is celebrating October 1st every year as international day of elderly. They are very serious about giving recognition to senior citizens with special reference to their service to society. We recommend that "care and support to HIV/AIDS infected and affected" may be included in the agenda to give a moral boost to the otherwise active and energetic elderly citizens. Various PROBUS CLUBS internationally are best-suited for this purpose.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Demography, Retirement, Research, Attitude, United Nations, Adult, Humans, prevention & control, organization & administration

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