On the second day of the conference we visited Services for the Elderly office in Central Tel Aviv. A dramatization of a common elder abuse scenario was used to compare and contrast the analysis and responses the Tel Aviv and Los Angeles groups would use to address the abuse. The movie led to interesting discussions on capacity and differences in our reporting laws. We found these themes key in understanding the differences in our legal systems.
In the afternoon, we attended a panel discussion on the bioethical principal of autonomy. Several psychiatrists, an attorney, and a social worker debated the role and importance of autonomy and dignity in elder practice. The Tel Aviv and Los Angeles delegations agreed they both struggled with constitutional and ethical questions surrounding the concepts.
The afternoon was spent touring the Reich Senior Center. This beautiful facility contains state of the art exercise and wellness classes and services. The Center is a bright, spacious venue where older people and their caregivers socialize and participate in various activities. The concept of multiple agencies engaging to keep seniors mentally and physically thriving is alive and well in Tel Aviv.
As the sun set, many of us wandered through the Neve Tzedek neighborhood of Tel Aviv, window shopping in small boutiques and dining in quaint cafes lining narrow streets. This area was slated to be torn down and replaced with high rise buildings. After much protest it was saved and renovated. It is a wonderful example of Aging in Place, with some rehabilitation and attention to the aging houses and infrastructure, the area is thriving. So too, are the elders of Tel Aviv, who are able to age in place by remaining in their homes and taking advantage of the abundance of social services and free medical care…are you watching Los Angeles?
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