PRESERVING THE GOLDEN YEARS - Challenges and Opportunities

The rise in life expectancy in Israel is considered one of the greatest successes of the national healthcare system and the State of Israel as a whole. According to figures published by the Central Bureau of Statistics, in2024 Israel's population aged 65 and over stood at approximately 1.28 million people, and projections indicate that by 2040 this figure will double. Life expectancy in Israel reached 81.7 years for men and 85.7 years for women in 2023 — encouraging figures published by the Ministry of Health, but ones that also raise concerns.

As life expectancy increases, it is often accompanied by a gradual and prolonged decline in physical functioning and overall health. The healthcare system is therefore required to address not only longevity, but also the quality of life of senior citizens and the promotion of optimal aging. However, despite its central role, the healthcare system is not solely responsible for planning and improving life in old age.

The lives of older adults are influenced by a complex combination of physical, emotional, and financial factors. These range from health challenges, reduced mobility, and a natural decline in physical skills, through ageism and decreased social interaction, to the need for economic security and long-term planning. In order to keep the "golden years" as fulfilling as possible, various forms of support can be offered to members of the third age.

Each support system contributes in its own way to creating a respectful, inclusive, and high-quality environment. Families and communities can help older relatives maintain a sense of belonging through regular activities and social engagement. Courses, workshops, and exposure to culture and leisure activities can also play an important role. At the same time, it is essential that senior citizens receive assistance with financial and legal matters and are encouraged, when possible, to integrate into the workforce according to their abilities.

The Health Challenge
The primary challenge in later life is coping with health issues that arise due to natural bodily changes and the onset of illness. Surrounding communities often offer health-promotion programs aimed at preventing deterioration, health maintenance organizations proactively identify risk factors, and hospitals are expanding programs designed to prevent medical decline during hospitalization. Health challenges are not limited to physical conditions; mental health is equally important. Major life changes such as retirement or the loss of a loved one can significantly affect emotional well-being. Some older adults must also contend with cognitive decline, depression, sleep disorders, or anxiety.

Relocation to assisted living, a reduction in daily responsibilities, or unfair treatment toward older individuals may lead to feelings of redundancy or loss of purpose. In such cases, conversations with mental health professionals can help alleviate distress. Additional solutions may include lifestyle changes — such as improved nutrition or abandoning harmful habits — as well as balancing body and mind through complementary or alternative medicine, alongside conventional medical treatment. Each individual, of course, according to their unique needs.

Another aspect of the health challenge involves family members. In many cases, relatives assume responsibility for caring for their elderly loved ones, forcing them to balance intensive caregiving with their own daily obligations. To ease this burden, caregivers are often employed to assist during the day. In addition, skilled professionals with a systemic perspective can guide families through the bureaucratic maze and the wide array of care options available to older adults.

The Financial Challenge
Economic insecurity is another significant challenge faced in later life. Even individuals who saved throughout their working years cannot always predict how much money will be required to maintain a high quality of life over the long term, making periodic reassessment of their financial situation necessary.

Many retirees experience financial difficulties upon leaving the workforce. This is largely because their monthly income is based on pension payments or National Insurance benefits, which are typically lower than their former salaries. In some cases, pension funds are insufficient, particularly if adequate contributions were not made during working years. In addition, older adults must contend with rising healthcare costs and the general cost of living.

Even when finances are managed responsibly, older adults may encounter technological barriers, as many service providers operate primarily online and rely on chatbot-based customer service. Therefore, to increase awareness of rights and benefits available to the third age, it is often advisable to seek assistance from a trusted professional or family member — whether for bill payments, budgeting, or financial planning — and, when possible, to consult financial advisors. This is especially important when dealing with government institutions and authorities, managing pension funds and realization options, as well as handling real estate and other assets accumulated over the years, particularly in preparation for inheritance and transfer to the next generation.

The list of potential concerns facing seniors can seem daunting. Nevertheless, entering the third age can also offer an opportunity for a high quality of life. Many professionals are working to ease most of the challenges described above and to help senior citizens ensure continued prosperity, comfort, enjoyment, and — above all — respect for their wishes.