Changes in the resource potential of older generations of Russians (based on materials from longitudinal studies)

Abstract

The increase in life expectancy is a global trend in the field of population. The purpose of the article is to identify the changes in the components of the resource potential of Russians belonging to different real generations but being in the same age phase of 50–69 years. The first cohort reached the age of 50–69 years in 1993, the second in 2021. Within the framework of the study, resource potential is understood as a set of significant socio-psychological, economic and personal characteristics necessary for leading an active social and everyday life. E. Rosset’s position on the lengthening of the period of adulthood with an increase in life expectancy is taken as the methodological basis of the study. The provisions of the theory of social activity and the sociological approach to personal self-sufficiency are used to identify qualitative changes in the social and personal characteristics of Russians who are at a transitional stage of their life path from maturity to old age. The research hypothesis about gradual changes in the ways of organizing life, attitudes and behavior in people in transition from adulthood to old age is tested based on a comparison of data from two studies – RUSSET, Wave 1, 1993; the National Survey of the Older Generation under the SHARE program (population 50+), 2021. The social characteristics and attitudes of respondents who are in the same age phase (50–69 years old), but belong to different age cohorts that differ by generation length, are compared. The intensity and severity of family, professional, communication, etc. differentiates life choices on a scale from “active life” to “survival”. The main result of the study was the differentiation of the components of the resource potential of the older generation into changeable and stable ones. Trends were identified that reflect qualitative changes in the resource potential of older generations of Russians. They cannot be unambiguously characterized as positive or negative. In the context of the problem of human potential, the most significant change is associated with an increase in the level of education of older Russians. Older Russians are a highly educated population with high demands on society and an active social position. The rigidity of attitudes towards retirement age and professional employment constrains the resource potential of older Russians. In conclusion, it is concluded that the results obtained during the study can serve as an additional basis for the practical implementation of tasks related to the mobilization of the human resource of older Russians.