Older Adults with HIV/AIDS: Experiences of Stigma-The Use of Personal Strengths

Abstract

This dissertation explores the stigma experiences of older adults who have HIV/AIDS, the personal strengths and other responses they have to these experiences, and whether they experienced personal growth as a result of their responses to stigma. A qualitative, phenomenological approach has been used in this dissertation. Older adults experienced stigma from family and friends and in the workplace. Some older adults responded to stigma by being resilient and empowering themselves with the support of family and friends. Older adults also had other responses to stigma such as non- disclosure of HIV/AIDS status and isolation. Some older adults experienced personal growth, for instance where they wished to give back some of their time and skills to the community. The results support the use of older adults and their families as key resources in the planning and implementation of stigma prevention programs.