The Price of Aging: How the Pension Dream Became a Multi-Million Economic Task

The article reveals the high cost of aging in Israel, ranging from 3.2 to 6 million shekels over 30 years. It presents personal stories of elderly people forced to cut expenses, and notes that pensions in Israel average 20% of salary compared to 70% in Europe, and that one in four elderly people lives in poverty.

The article, the second in a series, examines the economic cost of aging in Israel. It details expenses over three decades, from age 65 to 95, and concludes that the cost can range from 3.2 to 6 million shekels even after state assistance. The article presents the story of Yossi Shomrat, 77, who moved to assisted living in Even Yehuda after his wife's death, and finds his monthly expenses close to 20,000 shekels, forcing him to cut back on meat and rely on his daughter. Edna Yanai, 75, describes delaying the installation of a stairlift at home due to cost. Amir Glayzer, 85, criticizes the government over the senior citizen allowance of 2,400 shekels, which he says is insufficient. The article notes that in Israel, pensions average 20% of salary, compared to 70% in Europe, and that one in four elderly people lives in poverty.