88% of senior citizens in Israel are satisfied with their lives

(haipo) 88% of senior citizens in Israel are satisfied with their lives, but many still face economic and social challenges, according to the findings of the 2024 Social Survey by the Central Bureau of Statistics, which is being published on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, which falls today (1/10/2025).

In preparation for International Senior Citizen Month, on Tuesday (9/30/25), the Central Bureau of Statistics released up-to-date data from the 2024 Social Survey, which provides a comprehensive snapshot of the lives of those aged 65 and over in Israel. Along with high satisfaction figures, the survey also reveals significant difficulties in the areas of economy, personal security, and language proficiency.

Satisfied with life, but worried about the future

The majority of Israelis aged 65 and over (88%) stated that they are satisfied with their lives, 34% are “very satisfied” and 54% are “satisfied.” However, only a small minority (22%) believe that their lives will improve in the coming years, while 43% estimate that there will be no change, and 17% expect their situation to worsen.

Only 79% of senior citizens are able to cover their monthly household expenses, including food and bills, while 20% reported that they are unable to do so. This figure indicates that alongside a stable majority, there is a significant minority exposed to financial hardship.

Loneliness and personal security

About 26% of those aged 65 and over reported feeling lonely often or occasionally, compared to the younger population (21%). However, 85% of respondents feel that their family members value them to a great extent. In the area of ​​personal safety, 22% of veterans indicated that they feel “not very safe” or “not at all safe” walking alone after dark in their neighborhood. Older women are particularly affected – 29% of them do not feel safe, and 17% do not leave the house at all after dark.

Society, Culture and Volunteering

During the past year, 30% of those aged 65 and over went on a trip or vacation abroad, and 21% participated in voluntary activities in a private or organizational setting. However, 13% reported experiencing discrimination, most often due to their age, origin, or religion.

Trust in state institutions

About 36% of seniors believe that most people can be trusted, while 56% are cautious. As for trust in state institutions, the picture is mixed: 25% trust the government, 44% trust the judicial system, 56% trust the police, and 72% trust the local authority in their community of residence. The health care system enjoys relatively widespread trust; 73% of seniors gave it a positive assessment.

Increasing Internet use

Internet use among the elderly population is steadily increasing. In 2014, 43% of seniors used the Internet, and by 2024, 72%. However, they still use it less than younger people (92%). According to the survey findings, 47% of those aged 65 and over perform banking transactions online, 34% pay bills, 36% contact digital government offices, and 50% search for medical information. In addition, 57% use the Internet to receive services from health insurance funds.

Gaps in the Hebrew language

The survey also examined the level of proficiency in the Hebrew language among senior citizens: 62% reported “very good” command of speaking, 15% “good” command, and 23% moderate or weak command. In reading, 59% have a high level of proficiency, and in writing – 58%. However, there are gaps between Jews and Arabs: about 6.5% of Jews of this age cannot read Hebrew at all, compared to 54% of Arabs. Among Arab women aged 65 and over, the level of proficiency is even lower.

The social survey has been conducted annually since 2002, and examines a wide range of areas of life: health, housing, employment, internet use, social relationships, recreation, volunteer activity, trust in institutions, and more. In 2024, the survey also focused on the issue of financial literacy and inclusion. The sample included 6,907 respondents aged 20 and over, representing approximately 6.3 million people.

The data paints a complex picture: on the one hand, most senior citizens in Israel live with a sense of satisfaction, are active and involved; on the other hand, quite a few deal with a sense of loneliness, digital and economic gaps, and language and personal security challenges.

Deputy Mayor, Chairman Pensioners' faction and Health Committee Chairman Israel Savyon commented on the data and told the Knesset: "We are happy to see satisfaction among senior citizens, but at the same time it is important to remember that what exists must always be preserved and there is always room for improvement. In Haifa, we are doing everything possible to improve the quality of life of the senior generation, and this is reflected in a long line of projects launched during the past year."

Among the main initiatives: establishing a senior citizen assistance center named after the late Shmuel Gantz, operating a free repair van that assists hundreds of applicants each year, establishing a free customer club for senior citizens, the 'University for Senior Citizens' project in collaboration with the University of Haifa, connecting students to senior citizens in elementary schools, collaboration with Bnei Zion Hospital, a specialist doctor without Form 17, the 'Connected to Senior Citizens' project and digital training on cell phones, promoting the Bond project for personal security, as well as unique activities of the unit for the advancement of senior citizens in the Arab sector.

All of this reflects our commitment to continue working for senior citizens, to listen to their needs and to ensure that their quality of life continues to improve year after year."