Social ecology of interpersonal relationships among pensioners participating in the “Moscow Longevity” project

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the study of social intelligence in order to identify its features as a resource for reducing biopsychological age in pensioners studying under the programmes of the Moscow Longevity Project. Modern ideas about social intelligence are analysed. Social intelligence is understood as an acquired ability that allows a person to better recognise and understand other people, to act wisely in human relations. The study involved 20 pensioners participating in educational programmes “Moscow Longevity” (average age - 64.4 years). The following methods were used: Guilford Social Intelligence Test (J. Guilford, M. O’Sullivan); complex methodology of diagnostics of biopsychological age (compiled by T.N. Berezina); questionnaire “Resource areas» (by T.N. Berezina). For data processing, the methods of descriptive statistics and correlation analysis by Spearman’s criterion were used. The results show that in pensioners of this sample, the ability to understand the logic of development of interaction situations and the meaning of human behaviour in these situations (“History with additions”) determines the reduction of biological age and indicators of developmental ageing. Indicators of social intelligence are related to the resources of life activity organisation: pensioners are more often involved in intellectual pursuits in various fields of science and technology, less often use humour, communication with others, spiritual practices and self-improvement, and do not seek risky behaviour. The results obtained contribute to the ideas about the relationship between social intelligence and the characteristics of biopsychological ageing and the organisation of resource areas of life activities of the participants in educational programmes of the Moscow Longevity Project.