New survey reveals: 1 in 4 older women afraid to walk alone in the dark

A social survey by Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) for Senior Citizens Month reveals that 24% of women aged 65 and over are afraid to walk alone in the dark, 26% of those 65+ feel lonely, and 18% struggle to cover monthly expenses. Only 35% express trust in the government.

Ahead of Senior Citizens Month, Israel's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) has released data from its annual social survey, highlighting feelings of insecurity, loneliness, and financial difficulty among Israelis aged 65 and over. 24% of older women fear walking alone in the dark in their neighborhood, and 18% never leave their homes after dark. 26% of those 65+ often or sometimes feel lonely, compared to 19% of those aged 20–64. 18% reported being unable to cover their household's monthly expenses. On a positive note, 34% of senior citizens are very satisfied with their lives, and an additional 55% are satisfied. The survey indicates limited trust in institutions: only 35% trust the government, compared to 75% who trust their local municipality. Internet usage has risen from 49% in 2015 to 74% in 2025. Among the older Arab population, 46% of those 65+ reported weak or no reading ability in Hebrew; among Arab women, the rate reaches 67%.