Monday Jul 14, 2025
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home News Israel

'Loneliness kills, and should be treated like a disease in every respect'

Government earmarks NIS 100 million to combat loneliness among elderly Israelis, 80% of whom live independently. 

by  Danielle Roth-Avneri
Published on  01-31-2022 15:10
Last modified: 01-31-2022 15:18
'Loneliness kills, and should be treated like a disease in every respect'

Residents of the Beit Shalom retirement home in Herzliya are vaccinated for COVID on Dec. 30, 2020. COVID has increased the isolation many elderly already experience

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

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!

Related Posts

The Israeli hostage held for 4000 days in GazaKOKO

The Israeli hostage held for 4000 days in Gaza

by Adi Nirman

Hadar Goldin's parents continue their fight to bring home their son, who was killed and abducted during the 2014 Gaza...

'We're in the Middle East – not everything is rosy'Yossi Zeliger

'We're in the Middle East – not everything is rosy'

by Yifat Erlich

Speaking at Israel Hayom education conference, veteran and youth organization leader argues regional threats demand preparation over protection as debate...

New Shin Bet Chief to be appointed in September, will not handle 'Qatargate' casesReuven Castro, Marc Israel Sellem, Oren Cohen, Oren Ben Hakoon.

New Shin Bet Chief to be appointed in September, will not handle 'Qatargate' cases

by Elinor Shirkani Kofman

Israel’s High Court of Justice has approved a compromise agreement reached between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Attorney General Gali...

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il