CBS Survey Highlights Senior Safety Concerns and Digital Growth in Israel
A Central Bureau of Statistics survey reveals that 24 percent of older women in Israel fear walking alone at night, while internet usage among seniors has surged to 74 percent over the past decade.
A new social survey released by the Central Bureau of Statistics ahead of Senior Citizens Month highlights significant challenges faced by older adults in Israel, alongside positive trends in digital adoption. According to the findings, 24 percent of older women feel unsafe walking alone in the dark in their residential areas, and 18 percent avoid leaving their homes altogether after dark.
The data also reveals that 26 percent of citizens aged 65 and over experience loneliness frequently or sometimes, compared to 19 percent of adults aged 20 to 64. Financial strains persist for a portion of the elderly population, with 18 percent reporting an inability to cover routine household expenses such as food and electricity.
Despite these challenges, general life satisfaction remains relatively high. When asked about their lives overall, 34 percent of respondents aged 65 and older stated they are very satisfied, and an additional 55 percent reported being satisfied. Furthermore, 85 percent feel that their family members appreciate them to a great degree.
Trust in Institutions and Future Outlook
Regarding future expectations, 28 percent of older adults believe their lives will improve in the coming years, 40 percent expect no change, and 17 percent anticipate a decline in their quality of life. The survey also uncovers limited trust in public institutions and society at large, as 56 percent believe people must be approached with caution, while 39 percent feel others can be trusted.
Local authorities enjoy high confidence, with 75 percent of seniors expressing trust in their municipal government. In stark contrast, only 35 percent trust the national government, while 54 percent trust the police and 48 percent place their confidence in the judicial system.
Technological Adoption and Language Barriers
Amid these social findings, the survey records a marked increase in technology usage among senior citizens. Over the past decade, the share of internet users among those aged 65 and older surged from 49 percent in 2015 to 74 percent in 2025. Among older adults, 56 percent use the internet to access healthcare services through their health maintenance organizations, while 36 percent utilize digital platforms for government services, such as downloading forms and obtaining certificates. Additionally, 48 percent conduct online banking and 34 percent pay bills digitally.
The report also highlights linguistic gaps within the elderly Arab population. Among Arabs aged 65 and older, 46 percent reported weak reading skills in Hebrew or a complete inability to read the language. Among Arab women in this age group, the figure reaches 67 percent, representing two out of every three women. By comparison, among Jewish seniors aged 65 and older, 66 percent speak Hebrew well, 61 percent read Hebrew well, and 59 percent write well in the language.
