Social Equality Minister Meirav Cohen is expected to announce a new national program to battle loneliness among Israel's elderly.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The program, estimated at 100 million shekels ($31 million) includes a long list of projects and plans to be carried out in conjunction with local authorities and civil society groups. The programs seek to improve community life for the elderly, strengthen intergenerational bonds, and launch sports and leisure activities across the country.
Cohen told Israel Hayom on Saturday that "Loneliness kills" and should be "treated like a disease in every respect, one that demands treatment."
"Given the aging population and the rise in life expectancy, this phenomenon is widening and turning into a national challenge. No one is proof against loneliness, and it affects most elderly people in Israel," Cohen said.
The minister explained that the action plan would supply a number of services adapted to different population sectors, to be assessed once underway to ensure that the steps the ministry is taking are indeed effective in combating loneliness.
Cohen said she thanked everyone involved in the initiative, and believed that it would save lives.
Some 80% of Israel's senior citizens live independently, so most aspects of the program target this sector, although it also seeks to improve the well-being of the 20% of the elderly receiving help from the ministry.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
