Israeli women of retirement age (62 to 64)1 are not considered old or “out of it.” They comprise a respectable part of the population—10 percent of the population is over 65 years of age, and 30 percent over 55. Older Israeli women remain active, whether within the family, volunteering in the community, or participating in adult education.
Israeli savtas, grandmothers, are a vital part of the national scene. A case in point: During the weekend of December 16-17, during Operation Pillar of Defense, as missiles were flying (primarily in southern Israel), savtas filled a crucial role. Some hosted children and grandchildren who came north for Shabbat and a long weekend, trying to find respite from the missiles and the sirens they triggered. Others joined their children in their homes, poised to gather the grandchildren at a second’s notice and rush them into the shelter. And still others—whose sons and sons-in-law had been called up to the IDF as part of the emergency draft—assembled their daughters and grandchildren, bringing them to the warmth of “Savta’s house” to relieve the anxiety of it all. Without a doubt, the role played by older women under circumstances such as these is an essential ingredient of the resilience of Israeli society.
In normal times, it is commonplace to see women of retirement age picking up their grandchildren from day care, if their mother cannot make it at the end of her workday. Young families tend to live in the same geographical area as at least one set of grandparents, which affords grandparents the opportunity for active involvement. Furthermore, the need for two incomes in young families, together with the fact that Jewish society and culture has long been strongly based on family values, results in the grandmother hosting her adult children for many a Shabbat and Seder night.
The role of family caretaker does not define the lives of older Israeli women.
Nevertheless, the role of family caretaker does not define the lives of older Israeli women. Life expectancy in Israel is the fifth highest in the world—83.4 years for women and 79.5 years for men (in 2010). As women are entitled to retire at the age of 64 (and men at 67), a woman generally has quite a few years to fill with meaningful activities. Approximately 50 percent of Israelis over age 65 take part in at least one of the following activities: community volunteer work; assistance to family, friends, or neighbors; ongoing education; sports or social clubs; and religious organizational life.2 Between the various women’s organizations, the high-level Torah programs for women, exercise opportunities, and community activism, there are many attractive options from which to choose. There is even a project for housebound women to contribute by knitting wool hats for soldiers.
Benefits for Israeli Seniors
Although 62.9 percent of citizens between the ages of 55 and 64 are employed, the figure declines to 14 percent for those over 65 (which is much higher than any other state in Europe). In any case, the National Insurance Institute does provide a pension for those who have retired—at a minimum rate of 1,481 NIS for an individual or 2,226 NIS for a couple. This entitlement is in addition to any employment-related pension. However, health insurance premiums are deducted from the elderly’s pensions at a rate of 189 NIS for an individual or 274 NIS for a couple. The coverage from this insurance entitles one to all the extensive health care services the State of Israel provides for all its citizens. Additionally, when becoming an elder pension recipient, one is entitled to discounts of various types: on municipal land taxes, for public transportation, on the purchase of medications, on cultural events, and on electric and telephone bills, as well as possible assistance with rental costs. Nevertheless, approximately 50 percent of seniors report difficulties balancing their monthly income and expenses.
Thinking of Retiring to Israel?
Many retirement residences and assisted living facilities are to be found across the country, including several in the Jerusalem area populated by English speakers. In the autumn of 2012, the number of retirement residence units reached 35,000 and is increasing. The trend of many Jews from the United States and England retiring to Israel has caused many retirement homes to adapt to English speakers. Seniors often move to such residences because of the need for companionship and the opportunity to lead active and socially interactive lives. The warmth of the staff and fellow residents provides a strong feeling of belonging, safety, and security.
For those who prefer to live in the general community rather than in an age-segregated setting, there are governmental and private organizations that offer day care or club facilities providing not only care and activities, but hot meals and transport as well. In addition, there are nursing support organizations for those in need of care but who prefer to remain in their own homes. The National Insurance Institute can also provide financial assistance to defray the cost of a caretaker or nurse. Statistically, 86 percent of persons over the age of 65 reside in a home that they own. This number is the second highest in Europe (after 87 percent in Spain) and is an indication that the elderly tend to remain in their own community.
The government ministry that is responsible for the retirement population and the elderly is the Ministry for Senior Citizens (http://vatikim.gov.il/Pages/default.aspx). This ministry is charged with solving the problems of the elderly, such as their inability to cover expenses. Cultural centers, clubs, community center, and adult education programs operate under its auspices as well.
Sunshine and Satisfaction
Need we say a word about the weather? Although one generally thinks of Israel as a warm and sunny climate (which is true, and it can be glorious), there are a number of sub-climates that range from the hot and humid seashore through the cool mountains to the arid desert. Everyone can find her comfort level within that range.
When Israelis over 65 were asked to rank their level of satisfaction with life on a scale of 1 to 10, the resulting score was 7.4—on a par with the average in Europe. One might assume that American women coming on aliyah at a stage in their lives when they are full of energy and time would be extremely satisfied with life in Israel. The opportunities for self-fulfillment as well as for contributing to Israeli society are manifold.
There is an oft-used expression in Israel, used to denote “doing the impossible”: “Im la-savta sheli hayu galgalim az ani…” In English: “If my grandmother had wheels, then I would…” It is telling that davka a savta is used as a metaphor to accomplishing the impossible. Come and join the savta brigade.