Tel Aviv, July 9 -- Elderly Israelis forced by war to evacuate their homes suffered significantly in mental well-being, especially when cut off from digital access, Israeli scientists said on Wednesday.

The research, conducted by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the Jezreel Valley Academic College, highlighted how the loss of digital connectivity during emergencies like war can deepen feelings of loneliness, reduce a sense of control, and hinder the ability to access critical services.

At its peak, more than 90,000 evacuees received full-board accommodations who were forced to leave their homes after Hamas' October 7 attack and subsequent Hezbollah rocket fire on northern Israel.

"When it comes to the elderly population, there is...