Strengthening community engagement among seniors helps address the challenges of aging, fostering meaning, social support, and a sense of belonging, all of which positively impact seniors’ health, well-being, and quality of life. Community participation also builds resilience, delays dependency, and enhances life satisfaction. Across the world and in Israel, self-organized senior communities have emerged, offering older adults social, supportive, and meaningful frameworks for shared activities and collective influence.

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Goals of the Initiative

• Develop innovative and diverse models for independent senior communities.

• Create a network of communities and organizations that promote senior community engagement.

• Increase social participation and civic engagement among older adults.

• Develop and implement best practices and knowledge in senior community-building.

• Raise awareness of the importance of senior communities among professionals, decision-makers, and the public.

 

Learning-Based Approach

The initiative follows a learning-based model, combining on-the-ground support for communities with the development, documentation, and dissemination of professional knowledge emerging from independent senior communities.

 

Key Strategies

• Supporting existing and emerging independent senior communities with financial assistance and professional guidance to foster sustainable community-building.

• Engaging and assisting organizations that support senior communities, positioning them as drivers of growth for senior-focused initiatives.

• Developing a knowledge and training framework for community leaders, offering peer learning and individualized guidance on community-building, partnerships, and entrepreneurship.

• Establishing a multi-disciplinary forum to develop professional models for senior communities.

• Collaborating with stakeholders to create tailored partnerships that address the specific needs of senior communities.
   

By promoting social participation, civic engagement, and deeper community involvement, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults while making a meaningful impact on society as a whole. The development of scalable best practices and professional knowledge ensures a lasting impact on senior well-being in Israel for years to come.

Organizations Involved in the Initiative

• Sanad Association

• Shefer Association

• Eretz-Ir Organization