Challenges and prospects of rural aging[Ограничения И Возможности Сельского Старения]

Of the three large-scale studies conducted by the Institute of Social Analysis and Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the author selected eight most significant manifestations of rural aging and divided them into two groups. The first group presents limitations, while the second—opportunities for aging in the countryside. Elderly villagers, as a rule, do not work, do not study, do not travel, and are sick—these are the restrictions. But they manage the household, take care of themselves, move and keep intimate relationships—these are opportunities. Most limitations and opportunities make pairs. For instance, elderly villagers do not work but manage the household; do not travel, but move; get sick, but keep intimate relationships and take care of their bodies. Only the lack of educational opportunities does not have a positive pair in rural areas. The author believes that continuous education can become a main factor of active aging, that is why it should become an integral part of social policies.