Poll Shows Public Concerned Over Israel's Preparedness for Aging Population
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
A new poll indicates that 60% of Israelis feel the country is unprepared for its growing elderly population, with 68% believing senior citizen issues are ignored in public discourse. The survey, conducted by the Kedem association, found 79% want political parties to present detailed plans for the aging demographic. Key public concerns include loss of independence, health decline, and financial insecurity in old age, while most prefer to age in their own homes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- 60% of Israelis believe the country is unprepared for its aging population's projected growth.
- 68% feel the needs of senior citizens are largely absent from public discussion.
- 79% of Israelis want political parties to present detailed plans for the elderly.
- Loss of independence is the primary fear for Israelis regarding old age.
- Most Israelis, 60%, prefer to age in their own homes.
- Kedem CEO Nachi Katz calls aging population one of Israel's greatest strategic challenges.
A new survey reveals that a significant majority of Israelis, approximately 60%, believe the country is unprepared for the projected doubling of its elderly population over the next two decades. The poll, conducted by the Kedem association which represents 230 nursing homes and assisted living facilities, found that 68% of respondents feel the needs and quality of life of senior citizens are largely absent from public and media discourse. Furthermore, 79% of Israelis believe that political parties running in the upcoming Knesset elections should present detailed plans for addressing the needs of the aging population.
The survey, which polled 500 Israelis aged 18 and over between October 8-11, 2026, also highlighted public concerns about loss of independence, declining health, and financial difficulties in old age. The primary fear cited was losing independence and becoming dependent on others (28%), followed by cognitive decline (24%) and health deterioration (22%). The majority of the public, around 60%, expressed a preference to age in their own homes, with only 7% favoring assisted living facilities.
Sima Hazan, VP of Research at Dialog, noted the "disturbing gap" between public awareness of personal aging challenges and the belief that the state is not adequately preparing. She emphasized that the public's demand for political parties to present plans indicates that aging is viewed as a national challenge requiring long-term policy, not just a personal issue.
Nachi Katz, CEO of Kedem, urged politicians to move beyond election-time attention to seniors, calling the aging population "one of Israel's greatest strategic challenges." He warned of an existing and worsening crisis in elder care, including staffing shortages and a lack of adequate solutions, stating that Israel lags behind other nations with national plans. Katz called for practical solutions and a commitment to policies that ensure dignified aging with a good quality of life.