Expressions of Perceived Ageism During Wartime in Israel

Bibliographic Data

ID17564018
AuthorsSarit Okun (0000-0002-5474-9223, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, corresponding author), Assaf Suberry (0000-0003-3934-1577, Bar-Ilan University), L Ayalon (0000-0003-3339-7879, Bar-Ilan University)
Year2026
Volume41
Issue2
Publication date2026-04-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0169-3816 • E-ISSN: 1573-0719
PublisherSpringer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1007/s10823-026-09573-0
PMID42047734
OpenAlexW7157150291
LanguageEN
References cited29

Ageism, a widespread social phenomenon, encompasses stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination based on age. It can be directed towards people of all ages but has received the most attention in relation to older people. While a growing body of research has examined ageism, there remains a notable gap in understanding how age-related dynamics are perceived and interpreted by individuals as ageism during crises in general, and during wartime in particular. This study explores the unique expressions of perceived ageism during “Swords of Iron” war in Israel, using a case study approach. It draws on a survey of 902 Israeli citizens aged 18 to 89 during April 2024. Respondents answered two open-ended questions concerning their general views of ageism during the war as well as their own personal experiences with ageism during the war. In total, 357 (39.6%) of the responses described ageism in the current war, and 156 (17.3%) referred to its presence based on their personal experiences. Six key domains of perceived ageism were identified during the war: reserve military service, employment opportunities, perceptions of mental resilience versus vulnerability, volunteering, opportunities for blood donation, and prioritization in hostage release according to chronological age. These findings demonstrate how crises can intensify the perception of age-based differences and hierarchies, as individuals interpret age-related dynamics through the lens of potential exclusion or bias. This case study highlights the importance of developing intergenerational policies and crisis management strategies that address how age-based practices are experienced and perceived, particularly during extreme conditions such as war

Older people · Perception · Prejudice (legal term) · Prioritization · Psychological resilience · Racism · Relation (database) · Social exclusion · Aging and Gerontology Research · Elder Abuse and Neglect · Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

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