Features of social interaction of socionomic specialists in working with older clients

the article addresses the current problem of social interaction in the socionomic sphere in the context of population aging in Russia. The author emphasizes that modern older adults, whose basic needs are largely met by the state, now experience higher-level needs – self-actualization, knowledge acquisition, and social activity. It is argued that the traditional authoritarian “subject–object” model of interaction, in which a specialist acts upon a passive client, is ineffective and does not correspond to new objectives. As an alternative, a subject–subject model based on dialogue, partnership, and shared responsibility is proposed. The paper presents a schematic representation of the mechanism of social interaction as a communicative circle, ensuring continuous information exchange and mutual influence among participants. Particular attention is given to the need to develop transversal (soft) skills among socionomic specialists, such as empathy, reflection, teamwork, and the ability to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. Ultimately, this contributes to the successful social adaptation of older adults, the promotion of active longevity, and the reduction of social tension in society. Social interaction among specialists will ensure the optimal development of professional partnerships, effective teamwork skills, reflective thinking, and the ability to regulate and reinterpret their own actions as well as those of other participants in the interaction.

active longevity, communicative circle, intergenerational interaction, transversal (soft) skills, helping professions, socionomic sphere, social interaction, social adaptation, subject–subject relations