The current Corona pandemic has created unprecedented social and communal challenges for both the short and the long term. The population over the age of 70 has, without a doubt, seen the majority of casualties during this crisis, and this age group’s ability to withstand all of the implications of this pandemic is both delicate and complex.

With regard to the heightened need for social interaction, self-isolation and distancing from loved ones is difficult for even the most resilient members of society. This becomes much more of an issue for those who generally rely on the help of family members in their daily routine, or have a routine that solely consists of social activities and interactions. 

The physical implications of isolation include a more sedentary lifestyle. This results in the quickened deterioration of the ability to perform tasks that the elderly individuals were accustomed to performing pre-isolation.

While considering the above, it is equally important to be aware of the extreme spectrum within this age group with regard to the level of physical and emotional health that affect one’s resilience through isolation. To one extreme of the 70+ age group, there are people who are healthy, fully-functioning and active members of society, while the other end of the spectrum is already in advanced stages of deteriorating health and are no longer able to function on their own. 

Therefore, it’s necessary to create diverse programming that offers services to all ends of the spectrum for the elderly population. 

Our goal is to instill a sense of self-worth and a meaningful place in the community and society at large from a place of independence, and through focusing on programming that guides individuals through daily activity on the personal, social and communal level.

Program Objectives:

1. Connecting senior citizens back into their social circle through digital means and through active social activities
2. Strengthen the senior citizens’ sense of personal ability through the activities of giving and donating to others
3. Strengthen social relationships of senior citizens on a group level and through active personal action
4. Encourage senior citizens to take part in recreational and event activities
5. Provide tailored technology training to senior citizens so that they can be more active through using diverse digital solutions

Target Audiences:

1. 1,000,000+ participants from the senior citizen population from 165 local authorities in Israel
2. In the pilot phase, 75,000 senior citizens participating from among 25 communities who are chosen from a published notice
3. The Shallem Movement, which has around 19,000 volunteers nationwide, will take an active role in being a major leader

Method of Operation:

1. Establish a tailored and friendly platform for senior citizens
2. The community center will publish activities and encourage enrollment of participants from the community center’s clientele – and from those who have not yet been reached
3. Establish a local steering committee consisting of professionals and representatives of elderly residents who build the plan together, decide on the program, and form relationships with the residents
4. Participants can sign up for a class, interest groups, volunteering and giving, social entrepreneurship, and “Roots” – collecting legacy stories
5. Creating tech tutorials to reduce digital disparities for senior citizens
6. The community center will ensure that all senior citizens who are on the lists received from the local authority at the outset are involved in this program or are in touch with the right people
7. Build a social network where senior citizens both give and receive, someone is in touch with them and they are in touch with someone else, to strengthen their sense of belonging and importance for themselves and within the community