Sense of threat and coping strategies of Israeli older adults during a military operation

Abstract

To examine what levels of sense of threat functionally disabled older people experience during war and the coping strategies they use to protect themselves; to examine factors that explain their sense of threat and coping strategies. A convenience sample that included 138 respondents who were functionally disabled older adults and received homecare services. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. The majority of respondents stayed in their homes during the military operation and used a shelter during part or all the times when there was rocket shelling. The findings showed that a variety of factors were significantly correlated with sense of threat and coping strategies; gender and education were significant in explaining sense of threat, and living arrangement was significant in explaining use of shelter; while number of children was significant in explaining frequency of staying at home during the military operation. However, Holocaust survivor status, formal and informal support, and functional status were insignificant in explaining any of the dependent variables. Holocaust survivors feel no more threat compared to those who did not experience the Holocaust. Communities should be prepared to provide emergency services to ease the sense of threat of functionally disabled older adults during wartime and to assure their use of shelter, in particular those who live alone.

Threat and challenge: Holocaust survivors, succeeding generations, and the coronavirus pandemic

“…In contrast, other studies have described a positive coping approach that found Holocaust survivors to be more resilient when confronted with severe stress and mass trauma. Their ability to use previous survival strategies and maintain an optimistic outlook of life helps them adapt to adverse life events (Barel et al, 2010; Lamet & Dyer, 2004; Rozenblat & Iecovich, 2013).…”

“…Life‐threatening situations are a significant source of stress for individuals of all ages. This is particularly true of older adults (Näsman et al, 2020; Pourtaghi et al, 2019), who may already be coping with other physical and mental hardships and challenges that come with old age (Rozenblat & Iecovich, 2013). The literature that describes different responses to these stressful situations focuses largely on natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and occasionally wars and terrorist attacks (Lamet & Dyer, 2004; Rozenblat & Iecovich, 2013; Shrira, 2015).…”

“…This is particularly true of older adults (Näsman et al, 2020; Pourtaghi et al, 2019), who may already be coping with other physical and mental hardships and challenges that come with old age (Rozenblat & Iecovich, 2013). The literature that describes different responses to these stressful situations focuses largely on natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and occasionally wars and terrorist attacks (Lamet & Dyer, 2004; Rozenblat & Iecovich, 2013; Shrira, 2015). Additionally, religion—the institutions, beliefs, and traditions that facilitate an individual's quest for spiritual ends—has been found to affect a person's ability to cope positively with disasters.…”

Psychological and Physical Impacts of Extreme Events on Older Adults: Implications for Communications

“…Consequently, this subset of the older population was at greater risk of harm due to mobility issues and the often rapid need to take shelter. 21 This interdependent dynamic of emergency circumstances and vulnerable characteristics is highlighted in the literature, recognizing that, in addition to health challenges, older adults are more likely to have logistical and social difficulties such as mobility issues, lack of transportation, and limited social networks. 22 Consequently, researchers have proposed the idea of cumulative risk as a stronger predictor of resilience.…”

“…For example, in the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon, many homecare workers stayed in their homes, which left the individuals (primarily disabled adults) reliant on them without food, medicine, or care. Consequently, this subset of the older population was at greater risk of harm due to mobility issues and the often rapid need to take shelter 21 . This interdependent dynamic of emergency circumstances and vulnerable characteristics is highlighted in the literature, recognizing that, in addition to health challenges, older adults are more likely to have logistical and social difficulties such as mobility issues, lack of transportation, and limited social networks 22 .…”