The aging experiences of Israeli men who participated in day centers

In 2017, approximately 900 thousand elderly (aged 65 or higher) lived in Israel, and according to forecasts, their number is likely to grow (Brodsky, Shnor and Beer, 2018). Pursuant to estimates, 40% of the population of the elderly are male. The aging process is very different between men and women in nearly all areas of life (Paz, 2016). As an example, research that examined the risk profile for mortality in old age is acute and it was found, among other things, that economic and cultural resources were necessary for women while social resources were necessary for men in order that they not be included in the mortality risk group (Hazan, Shmotkin and Eyal, 2004). An additional difference in aging by gender results from the fact that men live less than women (Bar-tor, 2005; Barer, 1994). Over recent years, significant progress has taken place in our perception of the life of elderly females, but males have been largely neglected (Arber, Davidson & Ginn, 2003).

The current research examines the aging experiences of Israeli men who participated in day centers, in view of the changes in age, in status and in functioning, whereas the unique contribution of the research is the enrichment of the existing body of knowledge relative to males in their old age, in connection with men who frequent day centers. The research is likely to have implications for implementation, among other things, in structuring programs for involvement that will take into account the singularity of aging Israeli males who participate in day centers. The research question is what are the experiences of aging experienced by Israeli men attending day centers?

For purposes of the research, we interviewed 20 men aged 80 and higher who reside in Central Israel and who frequent day centers. The research was carried out by means of a qualitative method consisting of an in-depth interview that included background and questions from an instructional guide for interviews.

The findings of the research supported the concept of “successful aging”, whereas from the chapters of the findings and the discussion, the four themes that describe the aging

experience for males may be observed: A. “Be healthy or be old”-the subject of health is critical for elderly men, the perception of their health contributes to their welfare; B. “Health and independence as dominant elements for the feeling of masculinity”-successful aging is also conditional on a personal feeling of masculinity; C. “Activity improves life during old age”-activity. a hobby. meeting friends, etc. convert old age to being more “pleasant”; D. “Reconciliation, acceptance, just do not complain”- a positive perception and recognition of a cheerful situation (full of smiles; the old person is reconciled) the reality, the required and the natural-there is great value for the feeling of self that emanates from focusing on internal control.

The significance of the research from the theoretical standpoint is the creation of an opportunity to allow expression of the voices of elderly males, the addition of a tier to the investigation of old age and its significance and a change in policies for elderly males due to a more intensive understanding of the differences due to gender at the stage of aging.