Socio-demographic processes in modern Russia as an indicator of the market of geriatric services and social support for the elderly

The paper considers the particularity of socio-demographic processes in modern Russia and the development of the market of geriatric services and social support. There is provided analysis of statistical indicators for age characteristics of the country’s population in the focus of the distinctive trend of the aging process, against the background of the quality of life deteriorating due to age-associated diseases. The article raises a question about the steady growth of demand for medical, social, and elderly care services, the creation of infrastructure on the basis of public-private partnerships, charities and commercial organizations. The problems existing in the segment of geriatric services and social support for the elderly are reflected. The authors demonstrate the limited availability of services rendered by public care institutions for the elderly and senile age people, this problem being caused by the high demand among the population against the background of a fairly low quality and insufficient number of such institutions. The paper considers the potential of private institutions for the elderly and also the constraints to the development of this segment. It is argued that the formation of the market of geriatric services and social support for the elderly population involves not only the creation of a network of specialized care and treatment institutions but also requires special attention to the coordination of efforts towards prevention of premature aging, formation of a healthy lifestyle, motivation to health maintenance, involvement of older persons in information and educational processes, provision of affordable and high-quality medical care, taking into account the peculiarities of health of the elderly and age-related diseases. The review of some federal laws, regulations, standards aimed at improving the system of social protection of elderly citizens is presented.