Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Integrated Regional Information Networks - July 13, 2006
JOHANNESBURG, 13 July (PLUSNEWS) - Elderly South Africans burdened with the responsibility of caring for HIV-positive family members are starting to show signs of AIDS fatigue, government officials said on Wednesday.
In introducing the 'Older Person's Bill' in parliament to protect the rights of the aged, the deputy minister of social development, Jean Benjamin, said the impact of AIDS on younger people had forced the aged into the role of caregivers, which was causing them psychological trauma.
"The grief and fear of the future stresses them and damages them emotionally. This added burden is probably the greatest risk factor jeopardising their own health status," the local Cape Argus newspaper quoted her as saying.
Benjamin called on the elderly to stay active in the community and noted that "retirement should not stop one from being creative and making a contribution to society. We need to promote healthy ageing."
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