Between historical seeds and future needs – addressing silver economy in Israeli kibbutzim

The Kibbutz, an iconic element of Israeli culture with deep historical roots, plays a vital role in the nation's narrative. With the global shift towards an ageing population, the significance of the silver economy, emphasising the economic role and potential of the elderly, has risen to the forefront. The study's main aim is to explore and understand the dynamics of the silver economy within the unique collaborative setting of Israeli kibbutzim. This study applied the Cultural Web Framework to analyse the elements influencing these communities as of 2023 comprehensively. The Israeli kibbutzim, characterized by their unique communal lifestyle and social organization, offer an exceptional setting for exploring the integration of older adults and their influence on the community's economic and social dimensions. A multi-modal approach in collecting and analysing data has been applied using literature, documents and statistics concerning 266 kibbutzim inhabited by 193,5 thousand people. By randomly selecting a diverse range of 54 kibbutzim for the in-depth research framed by the Cultural Web concept, the study aimed to shed light on the shared services provided for the elderly, their participation in community life and decision-making processes, and the overall attitude of the kibbutz towards its older members. The analysis was enhanced through the use of MAXQDA software, which facilitated the efficient import and examination of standardised and open-ended responses. This allowed for a comprehensive application of various analysis methods, such as content analysis and mixed methods approaches, to extract meaningful insights from the data. This research is particularly significant, considering the ongoing transformation of kibbutzim within Israel from traditional collaborative forms to more individualised structures and how these adaptations affect their senior inhabitants. Comprehending these dynamics provides crucial insights for fostering inclusive and supportive communities that leverage the capabilities of their ageing members. This contributes to wider conversations surrounding ageing, community well-being, and sustainable social frameworks within the context of the silver economy.