Aging in Israel: Research, Policy and Practice

In the twentieth century, all developed nations began toundergo unprecedented demographic changes, as theirbirth rates declined, and life expectancies increased significantly—an average of thirty years in less than a century.These developments have caused major transformations inthe composition of populations in these countries, especiallyin terms of the proportions of the various age groups. Whilethe age groups of children and adolescents have decreased,those of elderly persons aged 65 and over, have increased.Consistent with the situation in other developed nations,the absolute number and percentage of elderly persons inthe Israeli population is increasing, while the percentage ofyounger persons is decreasing. Israel, however, differs fromother developed countries in the pace of this demographicchange, the composition of its population, and the waysit can address needs related to aging. The demographicfigures in Israel indicate that not only is the proportion ofelderly persons in the total population growing, but thatthe old population itself is rapidly aging as well.This volume exemplifies how social science researchcan promote knowledge about and understanding ofneeds and opportunities for adaptation, and assist inevaluating the outcomes of policies and services on thepersonal, community and national levels, as well as suggestrequired changes. The variety of topics covered in thisvolume on age-related research, policies and practice reflectsa wide range of research by Israeli scholars on socialaspects of aging. Their research offers a glimpse into theknowledge base that has been built over the years on theaging process in Israel, the population of elderly people,and the national policies and network of services for theaged. Other developed countries with aging populationshave much to learn from the Israeli experience.