The elderly population in Israel is growing. Many elderly people, particularly those age 75 or older, are in both financial and emotional distress, and are even living in physically dangerous conditions. Many of the elderly live alone and feel lonely, neglected and rejected. They are not always capable of looking after themselves, exercising their rights and taking advantage of the health and welfare services created for them by the community.
However, there are younger retirees who are ready and willing to help the elderly in distress. These two groups come together in the Counseling Service for the Elderly Department.
The volunteers who assist their older counterparts have a lot in common with them, being close to them in age and well aware of the problems and changes undergone by older people.
The supportive relationship between the volunteers and the elderly is one of the finest expressions of the human spirit and its contribution to fostering mutual responsibility and caring in society.