Abstract

The preprint is written on the basis of the research work results obtained by the team of the Institute for Social Analysis and Forecasting, RANEPA in 2020, and includes both a systematic review of foreign literature on aging and an analysis of interviews with native and foreign experts in the field of active aging. The concept of separation of older citizens, their separate living in specialized houses or settlements prevailed for a long time until it was modified several decades ago into another concept confirmed by numerous studies and known as "aging at home". However, the strict limitation of living space within a house leads to social exclusion, the risks of which are especially high among the elders. In this regard, it seemed meaningful to develop the concept of a new "social house", which can be applied both in designing new residential complexes and in renovation or adaptation the existing residential complexes and social infrastructure to the needs of the older generation. The results of the work can be used for scientific and methodological support of programs and strategies in the field of aging and old age, for state policy formation in the field of social protection of the elderly people, as well as for the development of specific directions, measures, and mechanisms of state policy.

Abstract

In 2020-2021, the new coronavirus pandemic significantly changed the global demographic situation. Most countries of the world faced a significant increase in mortality. The spread of COVID-19 presented the greatest challenge in recent history for the health systems, as well as the social sphere and the economy of most states and has influenced the increase in the mortality in 2020-2021 in almost every country. The objective of this study is to analyze the dynamics of population mortality in 2020-2021 (January-August) and the impact of coronavirus infection on mortality and life expectancy of the Russian population. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 by directly counting the number of deaths due to coronavirus infection has its limitations: the increase in the total number of deaths significantly exceeds the official mortality from coronavirus infection. In this regard, when determining mortality from coronavirus, indicators of excess mortality and changes in life expectancy are used. Excess mortality is one of the main indicators characterizing the direct and indirect impact of the spread of COVID-19 on the population mortality and the effectiveness of different countries’ efforts to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic. The paper analyzes the operational information on the population mortality for 8 months of 2021 and detailed data for 2020 as a whole. The authors note that the decrease in life expectancy in 2020 is associated with an increase in mortality from COVID-19, circulatory diseases, respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, external and other causes in middle and older age groups.

Abstract