A major study published this Tuesday by the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) provides a detailed portrait of the aging of the national population and highlights significant territorial disparities.
The report reveals that Israel currently has more than 1.6 million people aged 65 and over, with a significant increase projected to reach 2 million individuals by 2045, or 16% of the total population. A worrying finding shows that 16% of this senior population currently lives below the poverty line. The study reveals significant differences in life expectancy between Israeli cities. Kfar Saba stands out with the highest life expectancy in the country, followed by Herzliya, Ramat Gan, Rehovot and Rishon LeZion. In contrast, Bat Yam has the lowest life expectancy, paradoxically despite a high concentration of elderly people representing 22% of its population. The gap in life expectancy between Kfar Saba and Bat Yam reaches three years. Another notable aspect concerns the difference between genders: women live on average three years longer than men, the latter being more frequently affected by serious pathologies. The current war has particularly affected this vulnerable population. The report indicates that one in five seniors has been affected directly or indirectly by the conflict, whether physically, psychologically or materially. This proportion increases significantly in cities in the south of the country. The figures speak for themselves:
– 24% report a deterioration in their state of health
– 30% notice a deterioration in their financial situation
– 11% experience increased difficulties in their daily activities
– 46% express their confidence in government management of the conflict
– 27% suffer from loneliness
These data underline the urgency of a response adapted to the specific needs of this population, particularly in times of crisis.
