by Anna Coppola
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- State-funded “daycare for seniors” facilities are emerging in Moscow. These are daytime social clubs offering free meals, sleep, leisure activities and healthcare for elderly Russians.
- “Eat less, sleep more, wear clothes for the young, don’t lose creativity, get surprised every day” reads the slogan on the wall of one such day centre. Inside, guests sing, draw, dance and practice crafts (Bolshoi Gorod, 13 May 2011).
- The average age of the guests is 80, an age when seniors could otherwise spend much of their time alone. For many, day centres are a solution to boredom and solitude, especially given the poor reputation of many Russian nursing homes.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- The notion of seniors in Russia is gradually changing, with more active and meaningful lifestyles being adopted.
- Health and socialisation remain the two most important things for Russian seniors.
