Israeli Lawmakers Agree to Cooperate on Elderly Care

Hundreds of professionals in the field of housing for the elderly attended the annual conference of Kedem, the Association for Adult Housing Communities and Nursing Homes in Israel. The conference, titled "What's Next?", addressed the growing challenge of an aging population and the need for preparedness in healthcare, welfare, and housing systems.

A central theme was the gap between the projected increase in the elderly population and the state's readiness to meet their needs. A special panel, moderated by Yisrael Hayom health correspondent Ran Reznik, included Knesset Members Rabbi Yonni Meshriki, Alon Schuster, Michal Waldiger, Eti Atia, Yasmin Fridman, and Knesset candidate the Candidate for Knesset.

During the panel, Kedem CEO Nachi Katz presented a 2026 survey on aging in Israel, conducted by Dialog Research. The survey revealed that 60% of the public believes the state is unprepared for the doubling of the 75+ population in the next two decades. Furthermore, 68% feel that the care and quality of life for seniors are largely absent from public and media discourse, while 79% expect political parties to present detailed plans for addressing this challenge.

Currently, Israel has about 1.2 million people aged 65 and over, a number expected to reach two million by 2050. The survey also highlighted public concerns about aging, with 28% fearing loss of independence, 24% cognitive decline, and 22% health deterioration. Among those 65 and older, fear of losing independence rises to 37%.

Regarding living arrangements, 59% of respondents prefer to remain in their homes as long as possible, 17% would opt for adapted apartments, and only 7% prefer sheltered housing. The desire to stay home increases with age, from 36% among 18-24 year olds to 80% among those 65 and older. Key considerations for housing choices are maintaining independence and privacy (34%) and proximity to family (26%).

Katz stated that the political system should not only remember seniors on election day and urged parties to present practical solutions and commit to policies enabling dignified aging. He also pointed to existing difficulties in the elderly care system, including a nursing crisis, labor shortages, and fragmented government responsibility. Knesset Committee on Health Chairman Rabbi Yonni Meshriki proposed collaboration among Knesset members in the next Knesset to advance elderly care and remove barriers in health, welfare, and housing. All panel participants agreed to work together on the issue, despite political differences.

Kedem views this agreement as a significant step in bringing the issue of aging to the public agenda and fostering cooperation between decision-makers and industry professionals, hoping the commitment will translate into practical actions in the next Knesset.