Achievements and obstacles in pursuing a long and active life for the older generation in Russia

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Introduction

Modern society faces an unprecedented challenge – rapid demographic ageing of the population. This process corresponds to the fourth stage of the demographic transition, characterized by low levels of fertility and mortality, leading to a shift in the population's age structure towards an increasing proportion of older age groups [1, p. 5].

Analysis of the dynamics of the share of the older generation in the age structure of Russia's population demonstrates a sustained upward trend. According to Rosstat data, over the past decade, the proportion of the population aged 60 and older has increased from 19.0% in 2013 to 23.5% in 2023, indicating an average annual growth of 0.4–0.5 percentage points.¹
The demographic forecast compiled by Rosstat indicates a trend of further increase in the share of people over 60, which will reach 26.6% by 2035. Thus, the increase in the share of the older generation will amount to 3.1 percentage points relative to 2023. Figure 1 illustrates the dynamics (actual and forecasted) of the increase in the share of people aged 60+ in the overall age structure of Russia's population.

Figure 1. Dynamics (Actual and Forecast) of Increase in the Share of People Aged 60+ in the General Age Structure of the Russian Population (in % of Total Population)
Source: Rosstat[2]

The trend of demographic population ageing poses significant socio-economic challenges for Russia. As Kanev A.F. and his co-authors note, ageing leads to a reduction in the proportion of the working-age population, increases the demographic burden on it, and escalates healthcare system expenditures due to the growing burden of chronic diseases. Furthermore, this process creates pressure on the pension system and may contribute to a decline in labour productivity [2, p. 7-8].

The trend towards an increasing share of the older generation is characteristic not only of Russia but also of other countries and is classified by scholars as one of the global demographic "megatrends" [3, p. 72]. The persistence of the demographic ageing trend in Russia, as in other countries, is explained by a combination of factors:

1. Decline in fertility,
2. Increase in life expectancy [4, p. 171].

Gianfredi, V., Nucci, D., Pennisi, F., et al., while agreeing with the determination of demographic ageing by these factors, specify that increased life expectancy is facilitated by improvements in the healthcare system, including enhanced diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as their prevention, alongside a significant reduction in mortality from infectious diseases in favour of chronic degenerative diseases [5].

Note that the increase in life expectancy in Russia is also facilitated by the implementation of the national project "Long and Active Life," aimed at increasing life expectancy to 78 years by 2030 and 81 years by 2036.³
The focus is specifically on active life. According to the activity theory, formulated as early as the 1960s but still relevant today [6], the optimally ageing individual is one who remains engaged in the social world, maintaining mid-life activity for as long as possible [7]. The participation of older adults in social activities leads them to experience feelings of enthusiasm, satisfaction, self-respect, and optimism [8]. Modern research confirms that active ageing is positively and consistently associated with various aspects of older adults' quality of life, including physical, social, economic, and behavioural well-being [9].

In Russia, the activity of the older generation is dynamically increasing. Analysis of Rosstat data on the share of individuals aged 55 and older leading an active lifestyle shows complex dynamics. Starting in 2011, a steady increase in the indicator was observed, reaching a maximum in 2016. However, in the subsequent period, wave-like fluctuations in the activity levels of the older generation were recorded, with an overall trend towards moderate growth. This dynamic indicates the gradual formation of a new model of ageing in Russia, where an increasing number of older adults maintain social and physical activity. Nevertheless, as Kuchmaeva O.V. notes, "Older people are still poorly integrated into social activities" [10, p. 62]. Figure 2 illustrates the dynamics of the share of individuals aged 55 and older capable of maintaining an active lifestyle and engaging in various types of active leisure.

Figure 2. Share of People Aged 55 and Older Capable of Maintaining an Active Lifestyle and Engaging in Various Types of Active Recreation (as % of Total Number of People Aged 55 and Older)
Source: Rosstat[4]

Statistical analysis of demographic data, social prerequisites for healthy ageing, and the contradictory dynamics of the older generation's activity allows us to define the research goal, outline the scope of tasks, formulate the object and subject of the study, propose a research hypothesis, and establish its novelty.

Research Goal: To identify achievements and barriers to the active life of the older generation (individuals aged 60 and older) through the lens of physical activity, health preservation practices, and psychological well-being.
Main Tasks include: analysis of the older generation's attitudes towards physical (motor) activity; identification of health preservation practices; investigation of psychological well-being in the context of violence.
Object of Study: The older generation (individuals aged 60 and older).
Subject of Study: Long and active life of the older generation.
Novelty of the research is shaped by the approach used to identify the gap between the older generation's awareness of the components of active longevity and their practical implementation, employing a complex of sociological methods.
Research Hypothesis: The main obstacle to realizing the potential for a long and active life of the older generation in Russia is a complex gap between the awareness of the importance of its components (physical activity, health preservation practices, psychological well-being) and their implementation in daily life. This gap is exacerbated by the predominance of a reactive approach to health among the older generation and the influence of behavioural inertia, cultural stereotypes, and constraints, including the prevalence of psychological violence.

Theoretical and Methodological Framework

A long and active life for the older generation requires a comprehensive consideration of three interrelated components: physical (motor) activity of older adults, their health preservation practices, and psychological well-being.

Physical activity is a cornerstone of healthy ageing. Regular physical exercise positively impacts the body's condition, slows cognitive decline, and reduces the risks of dementia [11, p. 42]. In a study of associations between physical activity levels and these indicators in a healthy population, conducted by Ilyushchenko A.K., Marakhovskaya E.A., and other researchers, it was established that regular physical activity serves as a universal non-pharmacological tool for preventing psycho-emotional ageing [12, p. 246].

However, the effectiveness of physical activity directly depends on a systemic approach to health preservation, which includes not only medical procedures but also conscious lifestyle management [13]. This involves preventive measures such as routine check-ups, vaccinations, blood pressure control, as well as adjustments to behavioural patterns: quitting harmful habits, transitioning to a balanced diet, and reducing stress levels.

Psychological well-being complements this system, forming motivation for activity and resilience to stress. As Symanyuk E.E., Borisov, G.I., and other researchers show: "Activity, having a meaning in life, and positive interaction with others are factors of psychological well-being for older people" [14, p. 21]. Social engagement, support from loved ones, and the absence of aggression in the environment are critically important for the health of older adults. This is due to the age-related characteristics of the older generation. As Synkina O.P. demonstrates: "Old age, among other things, is characterized by depressions, which acutely and negatively affect a person's psychological and physical state, up to suicidal behaviour" [15, p. 431]. Psychological abuse or isolation provokes apathy, exacerbating physical and mental risks.

Key threats to active longevity arise when these elements are imbalanced. According to Gustafsson T. and Ulfhake B., age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) affects approximately 5–10% of individuals belonging to the older generation [16]. Refusal of physical activity accelerates sarcopenia, while reduced mobility and ignoring medical recommendations lead to the progression of chronic diseases. Aggression within the family or society destroys emotional stability.

Thus, the presented analysis of demographic trends and components of active longevity allows us to conclude that the growing number of the older generation and strengthening attitudes towards an active life require not only the adaptation of socio-economic institutions but also an in-depth study of the mechanisms for realizing the potential of older adults through the lens of physical activity, health preservation practices, and psychological well-being.

Data and Methods Employed

Qualitative and quantitative methods ensuring mutual data verification were applied to comprehensively study barriers to active longevity. To determine the achievements and barriers to active longevity, we utilize the results of three sociological studies conducted by sociologists from the Russian State Social University in 2023–2024.

For an in-depth analysis of attitudes of individuals over 60 towards physical activity, a series of four focus groups was conducted in 2023. Groups were formed based on the principle of homogeneity regarding socio-demographic characteristics such as age and type of settlement. Each group included 8 participants, selected with a balance in gender ratio (50% men, 50% women). Inclusion criteria for respondents: age 60–85 years; independent mobility; absence of diagnosed cognitive impairments. This study continued a series of investigations into the motives and incentives of the Russian population for systematic physical activity and sports [17].

Sessions were moderated using a structured guide. Each session lasted 90–120 minutes, with audio and video recording upon participants' informed consent. Transcribed materials were processed using thematic analysis, identifying semantic units, frequency patterns, and atypical cases.

Two sociological surveys were also conducted using the questionnaire method. In 2023, a survey was conducted to analyze health preservation practices among Russian men aged 60 and older (N=1110). The sample was constructed using a quota principle, representing federal districts and types of settlement (megacities, cities, villages). The statistical margin of error does not exceed 3% at a 95% confidence level.

In 2024, a survey dedicated to the topic of violence against older people was conducted. The study used a mixed data collection methodology: telephone survey and in-depth interviews. The sample (N=1646) represents the population of 8 federal districts of the Russian Federation proportionally to population size. Respondents were people over 18 years old – witnesses to cases of violence against the elderly. A specially prepared survey instrument ensured the recording of both latent (psychological pressure, manipulation) and explicit forms of aggression (physical, financial abuse). The statistical margin of error does not exceed 2.5% at a 95% confidence level.

Research Results

Analysis of the results of the conducted focus groups on motor activity allowed us to identify the motivation of the older generation for physical exercise. Individuals in older age groups recognize the importance of physical exercise for an active and long life. Our informants noted that systematic physical exercise strengthens physical health. For example, Vladimir (62 years old) links activity to "life extension": "Physical exercise is, of course, a pleasure. It's simply a vigorous life, it truly is life extension." Furthermore, older adults believe that physical activities positively affect mental state. Tatyana Anatolyevna (61 years old) emphasizes the role of physical exertion in preventing dementia: "It's not solving crosswords, but exercises that contribute to longevity." The social aspect of motor activity is also important for older adults. They mention that group activities, such as dancing or team games, create opportunities for communication. For instance, Marina Yuryevna (60 years old) mentions that active people are "more energetic": "If you do exercise at home – you can get ready quickly and go somewhere quickly," while Sergey Nikolaevich (64 years old) sees in sporting events an opportunity to "communicate with young women": "One of my motivations is sporty girls, young women. You come – you communicate. Maybe closer, maybe farther."

However, the motives and incentives for the older generation to engage in physical activity are blocked by various barriers. Financial inaccessibility of activities is a key problem: "Sports facilities are priced so high that you won't go there," states Vladimir, 62 years old. Health and family obligations exacerbate the situation: "Daytime – grandchildren, nighttime – bedridden mother. When to exercise?" asks Larisa Vladimirovna, 62 years old. Cultural stereotypes also play a role: some respondents fear condemnation for "inappropriate activity at their age" (Yuri, 69 years old), although most note that "nobody points fingers" (Svetlana, 67 years old). Other barriers hindering the older generation from engaging in physical activity also exist. For example, Tanatova D.K., Vdovina M.V., and Yudina T.N. identified infrastructural problems: "Infrastructure is often not adapted for the age category of pensioners; they cannot find a section that would suit their health condition and level of physical activity" [18, p. 471].

Thus, the obtained data allow us to conclude that the conscious need for physical activity, the desire to preserve and strengthen health, and the support of the social environment create the basis for active longevity. However, systemic obstacles – financial constraints, accessibility of infrastructure, time and cultural barriers – require comprehensive solutions to activate the lives of the older generation.
The results indicate that despite the older generation recognizing the undeniable benefits of physical activity as an important component of health, they need activation and incorporation of physical culture into their lifestyle.

Results of the 2023 sociological survey of 1110 men aged 60+, dedicated to studying factors shaping their attitude towards health, demonstrate that key health-damaging life practices among older adults cluster around three interrelated aspects: behavioural patterns, socio-psychological conditions, and medical irresponsibility.

Behavioural risks, such as low physical activity (49%) and poor nutrition (33%), reflect entrenched habits that persist even with an understanding of their harm. These data echo previous findings: respondents, while acknowledging the importance of physical exercise ("Movement is life"), often face a lack of resources for its implementation. For example, irregular work schedules (21%) and family obligations ("Daytime – grandchildren, nighttime – bedridden mother") limit opportunities for systematic exercise, creating a vicious cycle of passivity.

Socio-psychological factors – stress (36%), unstable emotional relationships (16%) – exacerbate the situation. Emotional tension related to conflicts or anxiety reduces motivation for healthy practices, as confirmed by focus group participants: "When I do exercises, I feel in control of my thoughts." However, in reality, stress often blocks this ability, especially in the absence of support from close circles.

Insufficient attention to one's health (rare check-ups – 48%), one of the most common problems, sharply increases the risks of health deterioration for the older generation. Even access to free medical examination programs does not always compensate for this problem, as cultural norms suppress health preservation initiatives.

Such attitudes of the older generation towards health preservation may be reinforced by objective reasons for the unavailability of medical examinations. As Mukharyamova L.M. and Savelieva Zh.V. show, "...optimization [of institutional forms of health protection] leads to problems with transport and economic accessibility, when inpatient services are increasingly replaced by prescriptions for expensive medicines, the funds for which older people lack" [19, p. 142].

Thus, the culture of careful health management among the older population is formed under conditions of conflict between conscious aspirations for health preservation, behavioural constraints of irresponsible attitudes towards it, and objective reasons for the unavailability of examinations. The distribution of respondents' answers to the question about which harmful health practices are present in their lives is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Distribution of Respondents' Answers about Harmful Health Practices Present in Their Lives (as % of Total Number of Respondents, n=1110)[5]
Source: Author's sociological study, 2023

Our research results demonstrate that awareness of the importance of health among the older generation does not always translate into practical actions. Previously, we discussed external barriers (financial, infrastructural) to an active and long life. Next, we consider subjective factors explaining the inattentive attitude of the older generation towards health.

The distribution of respondents' answers about their attitude towards their health shows that more than half of older adults (52%) adhere to a passive strategy, limiting themselves to minimal efforts, while only one-third (30%) purposefully invests resources in its preservation. This indicates the dominance of a reactive approach: older adults tend to act post-factum, responding to already arisen problems rather than preventing them. A smaller portion (11%) openly admits neglecting their health, which is obviously interconnected with the prevalence of harmful practices such as low physical activity (49%), poor nutrition (33%), etc. The distribution of male respondents' answers to the question about their attitude towards their health is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Distribution of Male Respondents' Answers about Their Attitude to Health (in % of Total Number of Respondents, n=1110)
Source: Author's sociological study, 2023

The primary reason for the inattentive attitude of older men towards health is the lack of desire to see doctors (36%). This factor reflects deeply ingrained attitudes, including fear of uncomfortable medical procedures ("I'm afraid of gastroscopy, injections") and the conviction that prevention is excessive in the absence of obvious symptoms. This position aligns well with previously identified behavioural patterns, such as rare medical check-ups, and forms the basis for the progression of chronic diseases.

Financial constraints (24%) and inaccessibility of medical organizations (22%) rank second and third among key reasons for inattention to health. These structural problems are exacerbated by low awareness among the older generation about available opportunities for health monitoring. For example, even with free medical examination programs available, 10% of respondents do not know how to participate in them.

Fear of unpleasant procedures (19%) complements the picture, highlighting psychological discomfort as an additional obstacle to prevention. Less significant, but similar in nature, reasons – unwillingness to change habitual lifestyle (13%) and lack of time (17%) – reflect the inertia of behavioural models, aggravated by family or work obligations.

Other factors, such as distrust in medicine (8%) or belief in the absence of health problems (11%), play a secondary role but collectively reinforce the overall trend towards passivity. For instance, the combination of fear of procedures and confidence in one's good health creates an illusion of control masking real risks. Figure 5 shows the distribution of respondents' answers to the question about what prevents them from paying more attention to their health.

Figure 5. Distribution of Respondents' Answers about Factors Preventing Them from Paying More Attention to Health (in % of Total Number of Respondents Who Do Not Pay Enough Attention to Health, n=533)[6]
Source: Author's sociological study, 2023

Next, we turn to the psychological well-being of the older generation as a key component of active longevity. It is obvious that an active and long life for a person is impossible under conditions where they are subjected to violence in one form or another. However, situations of violence against older people are quite common. Data from our study "Portrait of Subjects and Objects of Violence Against Older People" show that 71% of respondents personally observed situations of rudeness or humiliation towards the older generation. The vast majority of them (84%) encountered psychological abuse. This indicates the scale of a problem that undermines not only emotional stability but also the existing motivation of the older generation for a healthy lifestyle.

The most common forms of psychological abuse against older age groups include rudeness and offensive remarks (51%), shouting (47%), and coarse speech (43%). These practices create an atmosphere of humiliation, which provokes apathy. Less explicit but equally destructive forms – neglect (32%) and ignoring requests (17%) – exacerbate social isolation, increasing stress. Note that a significant portion of respondents specifically consider stress a barrier to healthy practices.

Rare but significant manifestations of psychological abuse – threats (13%) and coercion to act against one's will (10%) – create a sense of helplessness, which also does not contribute to an active and long life. Figure 6 shows the distribution of frequencies of types of psychological abuse experienced by the older generation.

Figure 6. Distribution of Types of Psychological Abuse Experienced by Older Generation (in % of Total Number of Respondents Who Witnessed Situations of Psychological Abuse Against Older People, n=1380)[7]
Source: Author's sociological study, 2024

Physical abuse is less common (only 4% of respondents observed this type of violence against the older generation). However, physical abuse becomes an extreme manifestation of aggression, intensifying the traumatic experience of older people. In 13% of cases, physical abuse is combined with psychological pressure, forming a closed cycle where fear and humiliation suppress the desire to participate in social life, including group physical activities previously named as an important motivator.

The presented results indicate that violence, being a widespread practice, destroys key conditions for active longevity: social engagement, emotional stability, and motivation for self-realization. Its consequences exacerbate previously identified barriers to active longevity – financial constraints, inertia of habits, fear of change.

Discussion

The World Health Organization proposed the concept of active ageing to improve the quality of life of the older generation. This concept serves as a guide for optimizing opportunities to maintain health, participate in society, and ensure the security of the older generation. Active ageing policies and programs recognize the need to encourage and balance personal responsibility (self-care), age-friendly conditions, environments, and intergenerational solidarity.⁸ The results of this study demonstrate the need to increase the activation of older age groups, as an active life largely contributes to its extension. At the same time, it should be considered that, as E.M. Shcherbakova shows: "The trend of population ageing requires appropriate reorientation and adaptation of society, allocating increasingly more resources for social security, medical care, and meeting other needs of older people, including long-term care, on the one hand, and creating conditions for active longevity, on the other hand" [20]. Despite significant efforts in Russia to involve the older population in active life practices, and the general awareness of the value of active longevity among the older generation, passive health strategies dominate. This points to a gap between the cognitive attitudes of the older generation towards an active and long life and the practical implementation of healthy ageing principles. We agree with Ilnitskiy A., Pozdnyakova N., and Noskova I. that without healthy ageing, i.e., proper behaviour, healthy habits, prevention, and treatment, it is impossible to ensure adequate quality of life for the older generation [21].

The conducted research identified obstacles to implementing the principles of healthy ageing. The older generation faces financial barriers, lack of time due to family obligations, and cultural stereotypes. A reactive model of health care is also characteristic – reluctance to see doctors without obvious symptoms and avoidance of prevention. Psychological well-being is undermined by the prevalence of psychological abuse (rudeness, humiliation), creating stress and apathy. Paradoxically, the societal attitude of hyper-responsibility towards the family often results in a double burden for older adults and the stigmatization of other forms of support.

Thus, activating the lifestyle of the older generation requires overcoming both external barriers and internal contradictions – between awareness and action, family obligations and personal needs. Comprehensive programs are needed that increase the accessibility of healthy practices, foster a culture of preventive care, combat violence, and reconsider the role of family and society in supporting the older generation.

Conclusion

The demographic ageing of Russia's population creates an objective need to revise traditional models of social and labour activity of the older generation. The outlined strategic goal of Russia to achieve a long and active life in old age requires a comprehensive approach based on the balanced development of three key components: physical activity, health preservation practices, and psychological well-being. The conducted research confirmed the proposed hypothesis: the identified complex gap between the older generation's awareness of the importance of these components and their practical implementation, exacerbated by a reactive approach to health, behavioural inertia, and the prevalence of psychological abuse in society, remains the main obstacle to active longevity. Imbalance in any of these elements significantly reduces the overall effectiveness of active longevity strategies.

A key achievement of recent years is the formation of a conscious attitude among the older generation towards the value of a healthy lifestyle, as well as the development of state programs such as the national project "Long and Active Life," and the gradual formation in public consciousness of attitudes towards healthy ageing. However, a noticeable barrier to activating the older generation is the dominance of a reactive approach to health preservation. Among the reasons for such an attitude towards health, the authors see behavioural inertia, where even with available resources, the habit of ignoring symptoms until a critical stage persists, as well as economic barriers making preventive medicine inaccessible to a significant portion of older age groups. Furthermore, the real opportunities for an active and independent life of the older generation are limited by practices of psychological abuse from younger people, despite the widely articulated value of older adults as bearers of useful life experience.

Overcoming the identified contradictions requires the implementation of a set of measures: developing accessible infrastructure for active longevity, consistently combating age discrimination and any forms of violence against the elderly, reforming the support and care system, and actively promoting a culture of preventive health care throughout life. Such a systemic approach will enable the realization of the potential of the older generation and ensure healthy ageing.

 

¹ Population Distribution by Age Groups // Rosstat: [website]. URL: https://rosstat.gov.ru/storage/mediabank/demo14.xlsx (accessed: 02.06.2025).

² Projected Population of the Russian Federation // Rosstat: [website]. URL: https://rosstat.gov.ru/storage/mediabank/Progn_3a.xls (accessed: 02.06.2025).

³ National Project "Long and Active Life" // Government of Russia: [website]. URL: http://government.ru/rugovclassifier/917/about/ (accessed: 02.06.2025).

⁴ Share of Persons Aged 55 and Older Capable of Maintaining an Active Lifestyle and Engaging in Various Types of Active Recreation // Rosstat: [website]. URL: https://rosstat.gov.ru/storage/mediabank/sp_7.5_2011-2024.xlsx (accessed: 02.06.2025).

⁵ The total exceeds 100% due to respondents selecting multiple options.

⁶ The total exceeds 100% due to respondents selecting multiple options.

⁷ The total exceeds 100% due to respondents selecting multiple options.

⁸ Active ageing: A policy framework // WHO: [website]. URL: https://extranet.who.int/agefriendlyworld/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/WHO-Active-Ageing-Framework.pdf (accessed: 26.06.2025).

About the authors

Dina K. Tanatova

Russian State Social University

Email: dktanatova@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7924-2242
SPIN-code: 7675-8938
Scopus Author ID: 56748103100
ResearcherId: U-1664-2017

Doctor of Sociology, Professor, Head of the Department of Sociology, Ethnography and Sociometry

Russian Federation, 129226, Moscow, Wilhelma Pika str., 4, building 1

Ivan V. Korolev

Russian State Social University

Author for correspondence.
Email: iv_king@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1317-2317
SPIN-code: 3585-2844
Scopus Author ID: 57205201514
ResearcherId: Y-3816-2019

PhD in Sociology, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Russian State Social University

Russian Federation, 129226, Moscow, Wilhelma Pika str., 4, building 1

References

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