Elderly Citizens Demand Policy Partnership, Not Just Benefits
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
An organization of elderly citizens met with Israeli political parties to advocate for policy changes, proposing a coordinating body for elderly affairs and a national plan to address population aging. They aim to be partners in policy-making, leveraging their life experience rather than just seeking benefits. The group plans to continue its advocacy post-election to ensure their proposals are implemented and promises are kept.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Elderly citizens are demanding policy partnership, not just benefits, from political parties.
- The Senior Citizens Leadership Network proposed a coordinating body and a national plan for aging.
- The group aims to integrate the experience of elderly citizens into policy formulation.
- Engagement with MK Meirav Cohen led to feedback on a party's draft platform.
- The organization will continue advocacy post-election to ensure implementation of proposals.
An organization of elderly citizens, the "Senior Citizens Leadership Network," has engaged with political parties ahead of elections, advocating for policy changes rather than just additional benefits. The group met with representatives from Yisrael Beiteinu, Yashar, Shas, and HaDemocratim, proposing two key initiatives: the establishment of a coordinating body for elderly affairs to streamline inter-ministerial cooperation, and the development of a multi-year national plan to address population aging. The organization emphasizes that elderly citizens possess valuable life experience and knowledge that can inform policy-making, moving beyond a discourse focused solely on their needs for services.
One example of their engagement involved a meeting with Knesset Member Meirav Cohen of the Hatnua party, where the group presented their proposals. Following the meeting, Cohen shared the party's draft platform, allowing the organization to provide feedback and influence the document directly. This process, the author notes, represents a shift from mere listening to genuine participation, ensuring that the expertise of the elderly is integrated into policy formulation.
The author stresses that the current approach to elderly affairs is fragmented across various government ministries, neglecting the interconnected nature of daily life. A comprehensive national policy is needed to proactively manage demographic changes and involve those directly affected by them. The organization plans to continue its advocacy beyond election day, aiming to participate in relevant committees and decision-making forums to ensure their proposals are implemented.
Israel's population is aging, and the organization insists on being partners in finding solutions, not just recipients of care. They highlight that individuals in their 60s, 70s, and 80s remain active contributors to society, and their experience is a valuable resource for all of Israel. The group seeks genuine partnership, which involves consulting with elderly citizens and evaluating policy effectiveness together, ensuring their voices are heard not just during election campaigns but throughout the policy-making process.
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