Document Abstract
Published:
2009
Headship of older persons in the context of HIV/AIDS in rural South Africa
Age and sex patterns reflected by HIV/AIDS deaths in the older age-set
This paper examines older persons’ living arrangements in an area with 32% HIV-prevalence in South Africa. The paper concentrates on headship as a measure of position, and explores how households’ composition and experience of a death differ across headship types.
The paper aims to assess indirect effects of income on status by exploring the extent to which pensioners are being thrust into positions of responsibility when deaths occur in households. In particular, the paper questions whether HIV/AIDS is different from other types of death in terms of older persons' presence as heads and transitions into headship status. In this context, the paper notes that there are some significant differences in household composition across headship types. Yet, its analysis does not point to a significantly greater presence of HIV/AIDS deaths in households headed by older persons over the period. Nevertheless, the HIV/AIDS-deaths reflect an age and sex pattern in the older age-set, where men are dying of HIV/AIDS much more than women. Thus, if this pattern continues, older women may be the only ones available to fill the role as household heads.
Equally important, the paper notes that a number of questions remain unanswered:
Given these points, the paper emphasises that programmes may need to bolster support differently for older women and men. In addition, it underlines that:
The paper aims to assess indirect effects of income on status by exploring the extent to which pensioners are being thrust into positions of responsibility when deaths occur in households. In particular, the paper questions whether HIV/AIDS is different from other types of death in terms of older persons' presence as heads and transitions into headship status. In this context, the paper notes that there are some significant differences in household composition across headship types. Yet, its analysis does not point to a significantly greater presence of HIV/AIDS deaths in households headed by older persons over the period. Nevertheless, the HIV/AIDS-deaths reflect an age and sex pattern in the older age-set, where men are dying of HIV/AIDS much more than women. Thus, if this pattern continues, older women may be the only ones available to fill the role as household heads.
Equally important, the paper notes that a number of questions remain unanswered:
- would an event history approach expose a higher risk of headship change in HIV/AIDS-affected households as compared to other households?
- to what extent does increased financial responsibility lead to higher status in the family and community?
Given these points, the paper emphasises that programmes may need to bolster support differently for older women and men. In addition, it underlines that:
- none of its findings should be used to minimise the extent to which the elderly are being affected by the epidemic
- its findings are an important starting point for further investigations aimed at understanding how HIV/AIDS is affecting the lives of older persons
