INTEGRATED FINDINGS ON GERIATRIC HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION AMONG OLDER JEWISH AND ARAB ADULTS IN ISRAEL

Sep 29, 2026

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Israel’s aging population creates distinct healthcare needs, with disparities between Jewish and Arab older adults. Arab older adults show lower life expectancy linked to higher morbidity, less preventive care, and more limited healthcare use. This study examines geriatric healthcare utilization patterns among community-dwelling Jewish and Arab adults, identifying barriers and differences across three research phases. Low awareness of geriatric services, stigma, and misconceptions shape care-seeking, alongside long waiting times, specialist shortages, and uncertainty about when to use geriatric versus primary care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study overview

Study aims and population

Methods

Phase 1: Focus group with primary care professionals

Phase 2: Data collection from older adults

Phase 3: Validation focus group

Findings and barriers

Awareness, stigma, misconceptions

Care-seeking reasons and differences

System-level constraints

762 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 emphasize expanding multidisciplinary geriatric care, increasing accessibility and awareness, addressing healthcare disparities, and implementing proactive geriatric assessments ensuring early intervention and improve health outcomes. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2589 INTEGRATED FINDINGS ON GERIATRIC HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION AMONG OLDER JEWISH AND ARAB ADULTS IN ISRAEL Efrat Gil1, Rachel Kizony2, Roy Tzemah-Shahar2, and Maayan Agmon2, 1. Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Yerushalayim, Israel, 2. University of Haifa, Haifa, HaZafon, Israel Israel’s aging population presents healthcare challenges, with disparities between Jewish and Arab older adults. While 88% of those aged 65+ in Israel are Jewish and 8% Arab, the latter group has lower life expectancy due to higher morbidity, reduced preventive care, and limited healthcare use. Arabs rely more on primary care and hospitalizations, often seeking medical attention only when health worsens. This study explored geriatric healthcare utilization patterns among community dwelling Jewish and Arab older adults, identifying barriers and disparities. The research included three phases: (1) a focus group with six primary care professionals to identify barriers to geriatric service use,(2) quantitative and qualitative data collection from 401 older adults (mean age 74.9±6.4 years) assessing service utilization, and (3) a validation focus group with eight healthcare professionals. Findings reveal low awareness of geriatric services across both populations, with many respondents unsure why people seek or avoid care. Reasons for seeking services included eligibility for financial support, severe health deterioration, and referrals from healthcare providers. Barriers included lack of awareness, stigma, and misconceptions about geriatric services. Notably, Jewish participants were more proactive in seeking geriatric consultations, while Arab participants relied primarily on referrals from family doctors. Additionally, healthcare professionals and participants highlighted long waiting times, a shortage of geriatric specialists, and confusion about when to seek geriatric versus primary care, further complicating service utilization. Policy recommendations

FAQs

What healthcare disparities exist between Jewish and Arab older adults in Israel?

Arab older adults have lower life expectancy and typically receive less preventive care and use healthcare less. They often seek attention when health worsens, reflecting differences in morbidity and care pathways.

How was geriatric healthcare utilization studied in this research?

The research used three phases: a focus group with primary care professionals to identify barriers, quantitative and qualitative data collection from 401 older adults, and a validation focus group with eight healthcare professionals.

What barriers and misunderstandings were identified for using geriatric services?

Findings show low awareness across both populations, with stigma and misconceptions about geriatric services. Additional issues include long waiting times, shortage of geriatric specialists, and confusion about when to seek geriatric care versus primary care.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Ophelia