Department of Public Health
Faculty of Health Sciences
My life before BGU:
I was born and raised in Haifa. We also lived in London for a while, and I graduated from Leo Baeck High School. I completed my bachelor's degree in psychology and international relations with honors at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. My master's degree in neuro-clinical psychology was at BGU, under the supervision of Prof. Nachshon Miran. I chose to write my doctorate on the subject of gerontology at the school of social work at the Hebrew University, supervised by Prof. Howard Litvin. I did my postdoc at Bar-Ilan, supervised by Prof. Liat Aylon.
"I learned that preparation for old age has to start at a young age. It's important to be aware of the fact that one day we'll all retire, that our health could become poorer in the future, and to prepare for that. It's worthwhile investing in good and supportive friendships, family and friends, who will be there during difficult times"
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My research:
I research the effect of the social environment on mental, cognitive and health states in old age. This is not an easy time and therefore it's important for me to understand how we can support older people in experiencing a more enjoyable and fruitful old age. For this, I employ advanced statistical tools to analyze data obtained from population surveys of tens of thousands of people. For example, I found that older people in Israel who had a more developed network of social relationships and who had been exposed to rocket attacks during Operation Protective Edge in 2014-experienced less damage to their health, felt better and were in a better cognitive state as opposed to those with a less developed social network.
Why BGU?
I studied for my master's degree at BGU and I love the University's atmosphere and the desert. I hope to work closely with other researchers here, which will allow me to better understand the populations I can help.
An insight from my research:
I learned that preparation for old age has to start at a young age. It's important to be aware of the fact that one day we'll all retire, that our health could become poorer in the future, and to prepare for that. It's worthwhile investing in good and supportive friendships, family and friends, who will be there during difficult times.
Something that doesn't appear on my resume:
I volunteer in Pa'amonim, an organization that helps families to improve their financial management. I support families and am happy to see the positive changes they make.
A source of inspiration:
My partner Doron. He supports me unequivocally giving me roots and wings. He is a combination of kindness, determination and self-confidence. I've learned a lot from him about daring and big dreams.
When I grow up:
I always wanted to be a researcher, ever since I wrote my final paper in psychology in high school. Today I want to research how it's possible to help the elderly grow old in a better and happier way and to use my research to influence the lives of people for the better.
If I was not a researcher, I would:
In another life, perhaps I would have become a veterinarian.
In Brief:
» Steak or tofu? Tofu. I prefer to cut down on eating meat.» Trekking or the spa? Trekking – it's more fun to walk in nature.
» Car or train? Train – you can do more while on a train.
» Fortis or Sakharov? Sakharov, but the two together are also great.
» Classic Europe or India? Both have a place in my heart.
» Ocean or the pool? Ocean. It's the best – sand, peace and sunsets.
» Winter or summer? Summer – I love light clothes, the sea, the sun, the long days and vacations.
» Cat or dog? Both. I have a dog (who acts a little like a cat) and a cat (who acts a little like a dog).Each has its advantages.
» Movie or play? Movie. I see more movies, but plays also have their charm.
