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SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

TITLE

Achievements and Obstacles in Pursuing a Long and Active Life for the Older Generation in Russia

Dina K. Tanatova, Ivan V. Korolev

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INDEX

RAR (Research Article Report)

JEL Z13

https://doi.org/10.52180/1999-9836_2025_21_3_3_384_395

AUTHORS

Dina K. Tanatova

Russian State Social University, Moscow, Russia

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OCRID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7924-2242

SPIN-code: 7675-8938

RSCI AuthorID: 774128

ResearcherID: U-1664-2017

Scopus Author ID 56748103100

Ivan V. Korolev

Russian State Social University, Moscow, Russia

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OCRID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1317-2317

SPIN-code: 3585-2844

RSCI AuthorID: 850724

ReseacherID: Y-3816-2019

Scopus Author ID: 57205201514

FOR CITATION

Tanatova D.K. Korolev I. V. Achievements and Obstacles in Pursuing a Long and Active Life for the Older Generation in Russia. Uroven' Zhizni Naseleniya Regionov Rossii=Living Standards of the Population in the Regions of Russia. 2025;21(3):384–395. https://doi.org/10.52180/1999-9836_2025_21_3_3_384_395 (In Russ.)

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of achievements and barriers to achieving a long and active life for the older generation in Russia. The study aims to identify achievements and obstacles to an active life for the older generation (individuals aged 60 and above) through the lens of physical activity, health preservation practices, and psychological well-being. The primary objectives include: analyzing the older generation's attitudes towards physical (motor) activity; identifying health preservation practices; and investigating psychological well-being in the context of violence. The methodology is based on a comprehensive approach combining three sociological methods: focus group interviews, telephone surveys, and online surveys. The authors identify three interconnected components: physical activity, health preservation practices, and psychological well-being. Key contradictions between declared attitudes towards healthy aging and everyday practices are revealed. The article examines results from a series of focus groups, detailing respondents' attitudes towards physical and sports activities, motivational factors, and barriers. It highlights data from a survey of older men focused on their health preservation practices. Findings from a study on violence against older adults are presented, indicating the pervasive prevalence of psychological violence as a factor undermining emotional stability and motivation for an active lifestyle. The authors note a societal perception paradox: despite a declaratively positive attitude towards the older generation and recognition of its value as bearers of experience and traditions, a predominant expectation persists that older family members bear exclusive responsibility for caring for younger generations. A reactive approach to health management among the older generation is identified, where actions are primarily taken in response to emerging health issues rather than preventively. The influence of behavioral inertia, cultural stereotypes, and systemic constraints on realizing the potential for active longevity is emphasized.

Keywords

older generation, active life, life expectancy, healthy ageing, violence, health preservation

AUTHORS BIOGRAFY

Dina K. Tanatova

Doctor of Sociology, Professor, Head of the Department of Sociology, Ethnography and Sociometry, Russian State Social University 

Ivan V. Korolev 

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

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