“Active Longevity”: Searching for Answers to New Challenges (on the Example of the Program “Moscow Longevity”)

Abstract

Introduction. Orientation to an active (prosperous old age) is one of the global trends in the development of society, and, accordingly, an urgent topic for research. The general, positive message, however, is accompanied by challenges that arise in the process of older people's perception of “active longevity” as a way of life and as a direction of social policy. The author also examines “active longevity”" on the example of the Moscow Longevity program from two sides: positive and negative.Methodology and sources. It was conducted 32 interviews with older Muscovites (55 and over) who have ever participated in “The Moscow Longevity” program. A secondary analysis of the available publications on the research topic based on qualitative methods was also carried out.Results and discussion. It was found that the concept of “active aging” and “active longevity” was not the same. In the case of longevity, this is a positive process, in the case of aging negative. The blur of the age framework, forces a person, or continue to be active, or reject new requirements and then recognize himself as old. At the same time, informants do not consider themselves old and do not want them to be addressed as “elderly”, “old”. The Moscow Longevity program is perceived ambiguously, on the one hand, it provides a whole range of opportunities for active life, on the other, it also covers the initially active people of older age.Conclusion. Active longevity is associated with challenges: the blurring of the limits of the permissibility of old age, ageism in communication, race/rejection of maintaining appearance and an active lifestyle. It is necessary to cope with them at the level of the individual, society, and the country. Being active at an older age means seeing the horizon of the future and living in an individually comfortable rhythm. The imposition of the preservation of youth and the performance of a template activity must be transformed into freedom of choice. Not everyone wants an active life, in the sense in which it is proposed by the policy of active longevity. And for those who want to be active, it is necessary to expand the possibilities of implementing the “Moscow Longevity” program.