SECTION:
DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH
TITLE
The Right to Death and the Quality of Life of the Elderly: Philosophical and Psychological Aspects of Euthanasia and Suicidal Behavior in the Context of Aging
Vitaly G. Pichugin
RAR (Research Article Report)
JEL I38
https://doi.org/10.52180/1999-9836_2026_22_2_8_292_301
AUTHOR
Vitaly G. Pichugin
Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
E-mail:
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9622-8533
SPIN-code: 1705-3559
ResearcherID: I-4615-2018
FOR CITATION
Pichugin V.G. The Right to Death and the Quality of Life of the Elderly: Philosophical and Psychological Aspects of Euthanasia and Suicidal Behavior in the Context of Aging. Uroven' Zhizni Naseleniya Regionov Rossii=Living Standards of the Population in the Regions of Russia. 2026;22(2):292–301. https://doi.org/10.52180/1999-9836_2026_22_2_8_292_301 (In Russ.)
ABSTRACT
This article presents an interdisciplinary analysis of the philosophical-psychological and demographic aspects of voluntary death (euthanasia and suicidal behavior) in the context of population aging. The aim of the work is to identify the determinants of attitudes towards the «right to die» among older age groups, its relationship with the quality of life, and its impact on demographic processes. The theoretical framework of the study is based on existential philosophy, gerontological concepts, and the principles of bioethics. The research employs a comparative analysis of legislative approaches, a systematic review of scholarly literature, and a secondary analysis of statistical data (Rosstat, VCIOM, and international registries). The study confirms a qualitative difference in suicidal tendencies in old age, where the key predictor perceived burdensomeness, rather than objective isolation. An analysis of the experience of countries that have legalized euthanasia (the Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland) reveals systemic risks of «structural coercion» and the commercialization of death. The article argues that the Russian legal model of the «presumption of life», based on the constitutional prohibition of euthanasia and the development of palliative care, is an effective alternative to Western approaches. It is concluded that improving the system of long-term care and gerontopsychological support directly contributes to the preservation of human capital, the reduction of mortality, and the strengthening of Russia's demographic resilience.
KEYWORDS
demographics, euthanasia, suicidal behavior, old age, the right to die, aging, quality of life
INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vitaly G. Pichugin
Doctor of Philosophy, PhD in Psychology, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Human Capital Development, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.
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