Elderly under fire: increase in feelings of anxiety and loneliness among the elderly population

(Hai Fe) - The ongoing war and the difficult events of the seventh of October leave their mark on the entire Israeli society, but their effect on the elderly is especially noticeable. The elderly population, which already faces loneliness and health difficulties, finds itself in the midst of a new wave of anxiety, feelings of loneliness and an increase in calls for help. Ayelet Gimple of Shulam, a geriatric social worker in Haifa and the Western Galilee district, spoke in a special interview to the website "Hai Pa" about the mental state of the elderly in this challenging time.

The depth of the crisis - anxiety, depression and loneliness

"The events of the Seventh of October and the Iron Swords War have a profound effect on the mental health of the elderly in Israel." According to Ayelet Gimbel, "disturbing trends have been rising recently, including an increase in anxiety and depression rates, an increased sense of stress, sadness, sleep disorders and loneliness. These problems are even more evident among the elderly who live in geographical areas close to the combat zones, where the security threat is present and more significant."

The elderly population, some of whom personally experienced the events of October 7th or the severe injury of close family members, faces constant anxiety for the safety of their loved ones serving in the reserves. Adds Gimbel, for many, the situation becomes even more threatening when several family members were recruited to the front at the same time, in the south or in the north, and caring for them weighs on the mental health of the elderly.

Beyond that, the war brought about a fundamental change in the life routine of the elderly. They are forced to reduce their exits from the house, either for fear of alarms or due to additional safety circumstances, which also leads to a reduction in visits from family members who live far away. Many social activities, such as meetings in clubs and day centers, have also been significantly reduced or canceled, and the elderly are often left without a supportive social framework. Added to this is the difficulty in cases where the help provided at home has decreased, due to the caregivers' fear of reaching certain areas.

In more difficult situations, some of the elderly were forced to leave their permanent place of residence and move to temporary residences, a disconnection that adds to the complexity and difficulty. The separation from home and the familiar routine is another stress factor, especially for those for whom the community and daily routine were anchors of stability and security.

Cognitive function under stress - the vulnerability of the elderly

Many family members report that elderly people with cognitive decline show signs of deterioration following routine changes. "For those who were active within a regular framework of day centers or receive daily support, the reduction and disconnection exacerbates their emotional and cognitive state," explains Gimple Meshulam. Elderly people who have been moved from their place of residence to a new area, experience confusion and an increased sense of anxiety, especially if they are without the close support of family or friends.

As a result of the situation, many seniors seek help due to difficulty sleeping, low moods, anxiety and worries. Gimple Meshulam emphasizes the need to also support evacuees, who are forced to get used to living temporarily in hotels or rented apartments, in unfamiliar areas and without a supportive community.

Tips that help the elderly maintain their mental health:

• Maintaining a daily schedule: a regular schedule that includes activity anchors, even if indoors, contributes to maintaining stability and alleviating the feeling of loneliness.
• Moderate physical activity: light daily exercise at home helps to feel good and maintain physical health.
• Daily communication with relatives: it is recommended to keep in touch with family and friends by phone, and even incorporate video calls, in order to strengthen the social feeling.
• Avoiding excessive exposure to the news: proactive breaks from watching the news and switching to watching relaxing and distracting content can relieve mental stress.
• With all of this, Gimple Meshulam hopes, the elderly will be able to maintain their mental fortitude and get through this difficult period with relative calm.