By A.M. Goldstein

HAIFA —The spectacular showing of the Pensioners' Party in Israel 's recent elections was a victory for all senior citizens—or at least those in Israel , according to one expert on aging.

University of Haifa Prof. Ariela Lowenstein , head of its Center for the Study and Research of Aging, said that the elected retirees represented "the human capital that the (Israeli) society has lost.  This is an opportunity to correct the situation."

The Pensioners' Party, which twice before had unsuccessfully fielded candidates for the Knesset in the past, won an astounding seven seats in the new Knesset.

"Their election," the Haifa gerontologist continued, "was one of the good things that happened to the mature population in Israel .  This can bring about a change in the social image of this population as it is (negatively) held today."

Pointing to the past history of activity of the elected pensioners, Lowenstein advised, "Whoever doubts their ability because of their age should remember this: these are people who are used to a long day, full of work and with little sleep."  A large proportion of seniors who used to have a busy day will continue to be active so long as they are healthy to do so, and have the appropriate economic resources, she said.

This is true of the whole population, she emphasized, adding that not all old people are necessarily sick as younger people customarily tend to think.  She believe that the senior population is wanting proper representation.

Lowenstein, whose expertise is in intergenerational relations and in grandparenthood, referred to average life expectancy in Israel , which at 77 for men and over 82 for women ranks Israel among the top in the world in this category.  The result, she says, is a growing number of generations in a family. Citing statistics, she says there are more than 900 Israelis who have celebrated their 100^th birthday and 22,000- 23,000 in their nineties. 

Nevertheless, the University of Haifa lecturer is quick to point out that Israel 's is not an aging population, especially when compared to Europe .  Those 65 and older make up only 10% of the Israeli population, she offers, but 15%-16% of Europe 's population.

As for the Pensioners' Party, Lowenstein commented that many young voters gave it their support.  Disgusted at the machinations of the large parties, the young voting public saw how their parents and grandparents coped with life daily. They, these youngsters, she concluded, wanted to contribute their share to help them.

A.M. Goldstein is the English language editor for the University of Haifa's Department of External Affairs.