Older persons in Haiti continue to suffer from the devastating effects of the earthquake that left thousands dead and hundreds of thousands homeless. One particular unique problem in this very poor country is the large number of persons suffering from HIV. Many orphans and young children of HIV are being cared for by their grandparents and elderly members of the community. The low priority that older persons receive in the relief efforts can only mean greater suffering for the young HIV orphans.
The low priority that older persons receive in the relief efforts in Haiti can only mean greater suffering for the young HIV orphans.
At least two organizations give priority attention to older persons. The American Association of Retired Persons AARP with the international NGO for older persons HelpAge have been assisting each other in providing direct relief to older persons in Haiti.
With the 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile and the potential devastation from tsunamis across the Asia-pacific region, we can only hope that help continues to arrive in a timely and sufficient manner to all persons, including the old.
Tags: disasters, earthquake, elderly, international aid, Old, senior citizens
