Over 65s exercise more than younger Israelis
Ahead of Golden Olympics in Tel Aviv, Smith Consulting Institute releases survey that found 25% of Israelis over 65 exercise at least five times a week, compared to only 10% among younger people.
A quarter of Israelis over the age of 65 exercise at least five times a week, as opposed to 10 percent of younger Israelis, according to a survey released by Smith Consulting Institute ahead of the September 8 Golden Olympics in Tel Aviv.
Compared to the over 65s, only four percent of those aged 18-29 exercise every day, preferring to spend their time doing other, less athletic activities.
Hundreds are expected to compete at the Golden Olympics in various events: Swimming, running, weight-lifting, shot put, and triathlon. Aside from competitive heats, there will also be other activities as well: Dancing, drumming lessons, dominos, backgammon, air hockey, belly dancing, tai chi and zumba.
Anyone can sign up on the Golden Olympics website as long as they meet two conditions: Being over 65 and presenting a medical fitness certificate.
The Smith Consulting Institute's survey included 800 people over the age of 18, who were asked about their exercise routines.
It turns out that 68 percent of those over 65 frequently take walks outside. Other common exercises are Pilates, yoga and swimming.
More than half of those over 65 stated that they started to work out after the age of 50, while 28 percent started after the age of 60. Those surveyed were also asked who their favorite Israeli athlete of all time was. The athlete who received the most votes was the footballer Miki Berkovich, followed by track and field athlete Esther Roth-Shahamorov, judoka Yael Arad, judoka Ariel Ze'evi, basketball player Tal Brody, tennis player Shahar Pe'er and footballer Eli Ohana. While goalkeeper Ya'akov Hodorov was among the top ten in the general population, he had the admiration of the over 65s.
Both among the general public and among the over 65s, Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. was chosen as the most admired team in Israeli sport, followed by Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C., also among the entire population. Following these two teams, the over 65s ranked Hapoel Tel Aviv F.C. third while the younger generation ranked Beitar Jerusalem F.C. third.
The results clearly show that exercise is a significant aspect in the daily routine of most of the elderly in Israel," said Tomer Rosenberg, a senior official from the Migdalei Yam Tichon elderly homes chain. "We're happy to see that at this age, there's an increase in sport activity, and we encourage it. The Golden Olympics is just another way to put an emphasis on fitness and health. This is a unique experience that reflects the lifestyle we provide the elderly, and we'll be happy to see people from all over the country join us on that day."
