Loneliness in older age — signs, effects and how to help
Loneliness among older people is a quiet epidemic with real health consequences. What the signs are, why it happens, and how any of us can help someone feel they belong again.
One knock at the door can change a whole day
Every day, Yamim Tovim Ashdod reaches older adults who are waiting for someone — anyone — to ask how they are. We come with a home visit, food and medicine, and above all with the sense that they have not been forgotten.
Numbers that tell a story

But it is felt again every single day
There are older people in Ashdod who go a whole day without hearing another human voice, and without anyone asking how they feel.
Loneliness often comes with going without medicine, food and basic necessities — choices no one should ever have to make.
We come to their door, as equals and with respect. Sometimes with groceries, sometimes with medicine, and always with time to listen.
Because real change starts in the small moment when someone realises: I am seen.
Our aim is not only to help someone get through today — it is to give them a reason to look forward to tomorrow.
Turning a donation into something you can feel
Dedicated volunteers visit older people living alone regularly — listening, talking, and bringing a sense of warmth and belonging.
Community gatherings, classes and events that give older people back their social connection and their joy.
Making sure older people receive the medicine and essentials they need — on time and with dignity.
Delivering good-quality food parcels to families and older people in need, especially before the festivals.
Choose your way to be there for them
Your donation lets us reach one more home with food, medicine, a human visit and ongoing support. Every amount joins one continuous circle of dignity and security.
Choose an amount that feels right for you. Even a small donation sets something big in motion.
Help that begins with a need — and stays for the relationship
Yamim Tovim Ashdod is a charity for older adults and people in need, founded on a simple belief: every older person deserves to live with dignity, warmth and a sense of belonging. We help older adults living alone — not only by bringing support to their door, but by getting to know them, listening, coming back again, and building a relationship that restores confidence and joy.
Everything we do is rooted in deep respect for the person, their story and their dignity.
We believe belonging is a basic human need — and we work to create it.
Every donation is managed responsibly and openly, because trust is the basis of everything.
The people behind the numbers
"On my first visit to Mrs Rachel, she opened the door with sad eyes. After three months of weekly visits, she waits for me with cake and a smile. That moment is why I volunteer.
"Since Ronit started coming every week, I feel I have someone to look forward to. She does not just visit — she brings warmth, joy and the feeling that somebody cares. She gave me back my happiness.
"Volunteering here changed my life. Every visit reminds me what actually matters. These older people are a treasure — they teach me about life, about patience, and about unconditional love.
We believe in full accountability
Yamim Tovim Ashdod is duly registered with the Israeli Registrar of Non-Profits and operates in line with all its requirements.
We publish annual financial reports so donors can see exactly where every shekel goes.
Working in communities across the country with a professional, dedicated team who know every older person personally.
The charity holds a valid certificate of proper management and meets all supervision and reporting requirements.
Guides drawn from our own experience, alongside reporting that shows why no older person should be left alone

Loneliness among older people is a quiet epidemic with real health consequences. What the signs are, why it happens, and how any of us can help someone feel they belong again.

A parent, grandparent or older neighbour will not always ask for help, even when they need it. The signs to look for in the home, the body and behaviour — and what to do when you spot them.

A weekly visit to an older person living alone is far more than a conversation. What actually happens on a visit, the difference it makes, and how to become a home-visit volunteer.
These are not articles about our charity — they are a real reminder of the reality we work to change.
You can make a difference too
No experience needed — only goodwill and a warm heart. Join our hundreds of volunteers and discover how good it feels to give.

We'd love to hear from you
For questions, volunteering, donations or a request for help — reach us in whichever way suits you.