A social initiative to reduce the loneliness of the elderly with the help of volunteers
An increase in the life expectancy of the population in Israel creates a growing need to provide a response to the elderly population in all matters related to creating a meaning with social value and giving a sense of belonging, friendship and emotional closeness. We, a group of volunteer founders, retired police and security forces, established in 2021 The 'Friend for senior citizens' association (NGO = Amuta), with the aim of reaching and touching the elderly throughout the country. The purpose of the Amuta's activities is to strengthen the relationship with the elderly and provide an answer to loneliness and social isolation
In order to achieve this goal, an action plan was formulated based on groups of volunteers working in the local authorities throughout the country, holding regular conversations with the elderly and making sure their needs are met. Principles and guidelines in the program includes an ongoing process (rather than one-time activity) and high quality of volunteers
The components of the program
Locating the elderly through the local authority or another public body (such as the Families Division of the Ministry of Defense). Twice a week, the volunteers carry out initiated conversations with the elderly in order to detect and alleviate loneliness
As part of the talks, unique needs of the elderly are identified in the face of existing barriers such as financial problem, need for hot meals, essential repairs at home, need for a panic button, etc. Immediately at the end of the conversation with the elderly volunteer, he writes a report about the conversation and the needs that arose and forwards it to the appropriate authority. The volunteer makes sure that referrals are handled and maintains contact with the local authority and community officials in order to provide a response
In every city or local authority in which the Amuta operates, a 'volunteer coordinator' is appointed. The coordinator's duties are: to receive a list of the elderly from the local authority, including the characteristics of the elderly person's needs, suitable volunteer placement, maintaining ongoing contact with the volunteers and the local authority, and locating and addressing gaps and unmet needs requirements
What have we done so far
In the first months of activity, we tested the 'operating model' through several projects and volunteer groups as follows
Rishon LeZion project
Yavne project
The Hod Hasharon project
Ministry of Defense Project / Family Division
The Jerusalem project
Insights have we learned so far
The volunteers' activity with the elderly creates meaning in their daily routine and enables the provision of available and accessible answers to their needs
Cooperation and commitment of volunteers contributes greatly to improving the quality of life of the elderly and reducing the phenomenon of loneliness and its consequences
Resources are needed to expand the program to preserve the belonging and quality of the volunteer in this significant activity
The life experience of security forces retirees is a significant factor in creating and increasing trust in the relationship with the elderly
Because in old age loneliness creates risky situations and seriously harms the quality of life of the elderly, and in light of the above insights it is necessary to expand the project to the national level
The increase in life expectancy along with the processes, that Western society in general and Israel in particular, is going through (the transition from a tribal society to an individual society) increase the need to address the loneliness of the elderly at the national level and to build a forward-looking national plan
The goals of the association and the action plan for the years 2023-24
Expansion of the program's activity to five additional authorities (including in the north and south of the Israel)
Increasing the number of volunteers (at least 150 volunteers)
Mobilizing resources and donations for the institutionalization of management mechanisms and technology (at least 100K$)