A New Stage of Development of Gerontology and Geriatrics in Russia: Problems in Creation of a Geriatric-Care System. Part 2. Structure of the System and a Scientific Approach

This publication is the second part of an analytical review of a new stage of development of gerontology and geriatrics in Russia. The components of a social-support system for senior citizens and the structure of social and medical support as its crucial components are presented. The problem of positioning the geriatric care within the system of social support for senior citizens, as well as its peculiarities and an algorithm for providing geriatric care, are discussed. The analysis of this algorithm allowed us to confirm that there is an indissoluble link between and a continuity of individual components of geriatric care and its cost effectiveness. The position of the Russian Federation Ministry of Health concerning the introduction of geriatric care as an element in the system of medical care for older citizens is shown. The “Territory of Care” pilot project proposed by the Russian Federation Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Health for establishing a long-term system of medical and social care for citizens of the older generation based on the principles of multidisciplinary and interdepartmental interaction is presented as well. Some flaws of the project are highlighted, and recommendations for its improvement are given. The role of gerontology as a systemic basis for providing geriatric service in Russia and developing an integrated system of social and medical care for citizens of the older generation is underlined. The main priorities in the field of aging in the forthcoming decade are formulated. The most promising areas of research in the field of gerontology are discussed, the implementation of which will allow implementing state social-policy goals focused on the quality of life of senior citizens. Finally, the position of the Gerontological Society of the Russian Academy of Sciences regarding the creation of mechanisms of scientific supervision for the renovation of geriatric services, including collaboration with experts in the field of practical medicine and social workers, and organization of scientific coordination of all work performed for the development of geriatric care for the citizens of older generation are presented.