Study Reveals Age Disparities in Psychological Resilience During War

By Yoni Weiss

Research conducted by Bar-Ilan University has shed light on the differing psychological responses to war among Israelis, particularly regarding age demographics. The study, recently published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, highlights that older adults exhibit greater resilience to acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to younger adults.

The investigation, conducted from November to December 2023, engaged 428 participants aged between 20 and 87. Utilizing various platforms including the Qualtrics online platform and social media, the study aimed to capture a diverse range of perspectives.

Led by Professor Amit Shrira, the research team found significant differences in the experiences of younger adults (aged 20-59) and older adults (aged 60-87) during the Israel-Hamas war. While younger adults reported alarmingly high levels of acute stress symptoms at the onset of the conflict, older adults demonstrated remarkable resilience with markedly lower rates of acute stress. As the conflict persisted, the prevalence of probable PTSD among younger adults surged, whereas older adults exhibited a comparatively lower incidence.

Professor Shrira emphasized the importance of recognizing the strengths of older adults during crises and advocating for tailored approaches to support their coping mechanisms. He intends to further explore specific groups of older adults, such as Holocaust survivors and war veterans, to gain deeper insights into their mental health responses.