The purpose of this study is to assess and analyze the consequences HIV/AIDS on therntraditional support networks of the elderly in Arada sub-city. The study focuses onrnassessing the impact of HIV/AIDS on the traditional support networks of the elderly;rnproblems, aggravating factors and coping mechanisms of older people; and policyrnresponses and the existing practices to address problems of older people. The methodologyrnof the study was qualitative where primary and secondary sources of data were used. Torncollect the necessary data, the researcher employed key informant interview, focus grouprndiscussion, semi-structured interview, observation, in-depth interview and documentrnanalysis as major techniques. In this regard, interview guides, topical outlines, andrnobservation checklists have been used. In the course of analysis, family care giving,rncommunity care and support through its institutions, supports of religious institutions,rnalms giving, and sporadic initiatives by associations and private enterprises have beenrnidentified as traditional support networks of the elderly. Lack of basic needs; financialrnconstraints; age related health problems; psychosocial stress and trauma; socialrnexclusions; etc are the major problems of older people. Whereas, poverty, lack attention,rnabsence of social security, death of children from AIDS, the myths and misconceptionrnrelated to aging and lack of elderly-targeted programs are the identified aggravatingrnfactors. HIV/AIDS is affecting the traditional support networks of the elderly in a variety ofrnways. It was concluded that though it is difficult to figure out the number of older peoplerninfected/affected by the epidemic. HIV/AIDS is changing the roles of the elderly from beingrnthe recipient of care to providers of care and support. In this regard, the researcherrnsuggests a number of relevant areas of social work practice to address problems of thernelderly. Accordingly, policy responses; advocacy and awareness raising to maintain therntraditional support networks, and designing and implementing participatory older peoplefocusedrnrelevant social word interventions at micro, mezzo and macro levels arernrecommended