Factors Influencing Social Participation of Older People: Study of Practices of Delayed Ageing

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of the social participation of Russian citizens aged 60 and over. The analysis is based on the concept of extended adulthood or delayed ageing, which is a continuation or development of “active ageing.” Extended adulthood is understood from a sociological perspective as the preservation of the social status and role of an independent person participating in the life of society. Our main research question is “What factors and how do they influence the social activity of older people in modern Russian society?” Our research is based on a quantitative survey, consisting of a corpus of 210 questionnaires collected in a medical institution from older people aged 60 and over, supplemented by data from their medical records. For data triangulation and thick description, we use the material from 50 in-depth semi-structured interviews. All material was collected in 2022–2023. The data are strictly anonymous. Among the various forms of social participation and involvement of older people in activities, the most important is employment, which increases income. Internet use helps to prolong social participation and not to feel old. After the age of 75, the range of activities decreases and focuses on family and relatives. The very concepts of “ageing” and “elderly” themselves have predominantly negative connotations for both respondents and informants and are associated with inactivity, illness, loss of interests and abilities, etc. This allows us to consider the concept of extended adulthood/delayed ageing as the most effective and appropriate for studying ageing and changes in ageing policies.