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ABSTRACT
On 19 July 2021, Israel became one of the first countries in the world to address the crisis of its ageing population through a binding resolution. The plans included a formal system of measuring progress, a set of Indicators for Optimal Ageing, and a shared vision to promote urban planning policy that integrates innovation, inclusion, and new partnerships. As a result, Israel is currently experiencing robust growth in evidence-based, measurable, multisectoral, and sustainable initiatives to enhance older adults’ well-being, adding health to years, and not only years, to the average Israeli life expectancy. This paper highlights national and regional applications of that initiative, describing how this approach mobilizes diverse stakeholders in government, local authorities, civil society, and the private sector, to collaborate in addressing the challenges that face older persons on a large scale. Showcasing strategies and solutions in Israel’s multicultural society may inform other national efforts in Europe and beyond.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Inon Schenker
Inon Schenker is a Global Public Health Specialist, entrepreneur, and CEO of Impact for Healthy Futures. Holding a PhD, MPH, and BA from Hebrew University, he is an expert in municipal urban health programs. With 20+ years in management, planning, and partnerships, he advises the UN, local authorities and government ministries. He chairs an initiative for healthy ageing and resilience by religious leadership under the President of Israel and is a senior lecturer at Tel Aviv and NYU. He is published in peer reviewed journals and has been recognized with awards including the Velji Emerging Leader Award in Global Health Innovation and the Society for International Development “All About Africa” Award for Sustainable Health.
Shulamit Gertel
Shulamit Gertel is a senior urban and regional planning practitioner at the Israeli Ministry of Construction and Housing. She currently spearheads the government project “Planning for the Aging Population” and promotes age-friendly planned spaces for active living. She is a long-standing representative to the Israeli National Council for Planning and Building, has served as a Ministry Focal Point for External Affairs and as member of the Bureau of the UNECE Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Land research Management (2012–2015). Her main interests focus on the development of catalysts within policy processes to improve implementation and better serve the public interest.
Yossi Heymann
Yossi Heymann over the past four decades, has held senior leadership roles in the Israeli military, government, and social sectors, demonstrating remarkable vision and versatility. As CEO of JDC-Eshel, he has been instrumental in driving transformative initiatives in health, social welfare, and caregiving, while also working closely with the Israeli government to advance a national agenda of Optimal Aging. Prior to this, he served as CEO of the Municipality of Jerusalem and had a distinguished 30-year career with the Israel Defense Forces, rising to the rank of Brigadier General and leading the Strategic Planning Division. Holds a BSc in Economics and Management from the Technion and an MA in Political Science from Haifa University.
Yifat Rom
Yifat Rom an Environmental Gerontologist since 2020, boasts a rich academic background. Graduating from the Technion Institute in 1985 with a degree in Architecture and Town Planning, she furthered her studies with a master’s in environmental psychology in 1989, also from the Technion Institute in Haifa. In 2023, she submitted her doctoral dissertation in Gerontology. Her professional journey encompasses designing long-term care facilities for the elderly, as well as day care centers for adults with dementia. A consultant for municipalities, advising on creating age-friendly cities and towns. Teaming up with an organizational gerontologist, she co-founded Geo Gerontology, offering expertise in both organizational and environmental aspects.
Sarela Sheinfeld
Sarela Sheinfeld a certified gerontology consultant with an MA in educational administration and a BA in Counseling and Guidance. Over the past two decades, she has initiated and managed community social projects, coordinated a national forum promoting optimal aging, and has worked with municipal authorities to manage unique program for 500 ultra-Orthodox Jewish women aged 60 and above. In Jerusalem, she is currently responsible for optimal ageing of these communities and for programs alleviating loneliness and promoting a sense of belonging and meaning, focusing on developing active aging and preventing dependency through indicators like health, financial resilience, social belonging, leisure, culture, and digital literacy.
Nesya Strasburg
Nesya Strasburg is optimal aging & health regional manager of Southern Soreq cluster in Israel. Has diverse professional background with experience across multiple domains within community development and public well-being. Specialized in managing change through large scale initiatives and strategic collaborations on local & regional levels, focusing on optimal aging, gender equality and people living in poverty.
Ilana Taler
Ilana Taler is an urban planner at the Israeli Ministry of Health, representing the ministry in national planning authorities and building permit processes. She holds an M.Sc. in Urban and Regional Planning from the Technion Institute of Technology, with a thesis on planning authorities’ role in objections to plan modifications. Holds an M.A. in Geography, with specializations in urban and regional studies and planning and environmental policy, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. With over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, her expertise spans both urban planning and policy development.