Abstract
The chapter is devoted to the urgent problem of creating infrastructure to empower older people. Attention is paid to the age periodization of a person, since it is necessary to define the concept of “old age.” The main components of active longevity, defined by the World Health Organization, are considered. The problems arising in the implementation of the healthy aging policy in European countries are shown. The chapter focuses on the plan “Decade of Healthy Aging for the period 2021-2030,” as well as the interim results obtained at the end of 2023. The implementation of international initiatives to pursue a policy of active longevity is considered on the example of Russia. The reasons preventing the implementation of the federal project “The Older Generation” are highlighted. Attention is paid to the negative demographic situation in Russia from 1991 to 2013. The project “Moscow longevity,” implemented since 2018 for Moscow pensioners, is considered. The positive experience gained in Moscow in creating infrastructure to support the elderly is being scaled up in Russian regions.
TopBackground
In the process of life, the human organism is going through the biological changes which affect its workability. Already back in the ancient times, before Christ, definite periods of human life were identified. Initially the human life was divided into two periods: youth and old age. Hippocrates, the Ancient Grece physician defined that old age started at 42 years of age (Temkin, 1991). In Ancient Rome 4 periods of human life were identified (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Periods of human life in ancient Rome
Average life expectancy in Ancient Rome was 25-30 years because of wars, diseases and epidemics. This was why only very few reached the advanced and old age. Avicenna (Ibn Sina), scientist, philosopher and physician was of the opinion that the old age started after 40 years of age (Koutzarova, 2009). He assumed that after reaching this age the mechanism of the human organism ageing was being launched. The first scientific age classification was developed by the German physician, physiologist Max Rubner in the XIX century (Petrovsky, 1984). He proposed to consider a human being as an old one after 50 years of age, and he called the age above 70 years as “an honored old age”.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Tai Chi: This is recreational gymnastics that originated on the basis of a martial art. Includes a series of smooth and static physical exercises, fighting stances and breath control. Regular exercise helps to alleviate chronic low back pain, develops coordination of movements, improves quality of life and cognitive function.
Ageism: Discrimination against a person based on age due to prejudices and stereotypes. It is most often manifested in relation to the elderly.
World Health Organization (WHO): It is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with 194 member states. The date of its creation is considered to be April 7, 1948, when the Constitution of the WHO came into force.
Qigong: A Chinese system of exercises that includes both physical exercises and special breathing techniques. It became widespread in the middle of the twentieth century. These exercises are believed to promote longevity.
Pétanque: It's a team game that originated in Provence, France. Teams throw metal balls on a special area measuring 15 m by 4 m. In accordance with the rules of the game, each team scores points. A team can have from 1 to 3 people, there are no age restrictions. This game is popular in the summer on the beach.
World Health Assembly: It is the highest governing body of the World Health Organization, which meets annually in session. Within the framework of the sessions of the Assembly, topical problems in the field of health are discussed and guidance documents are adopted.
Participatory Evaluation: The approach to program evaluation involves the active involvement of stakeholders: partners, participants. All participants decide together how to formulate the questions and conduct the assessment.
Yoga: Originated in India and includes various spiritual, mental, and physical practices aimed at managing the mental and physical functions of the body. Yoga in India is based on Judaism and Buddhism. There are several main branches of yoga: Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Hatha Yoga. Outside of India, yoga classes involve the performance of certain physical exercises (asana).