Social well-being of the elderly generation in the conditions of the economic crisis and pension system reform

The acceleration of demographic aging in Russia significantly updates the quality of life and social well-being of the third-age population which is a powerful electoral resource that can have an important impact on the political situation and social development. The purpose of the article is to study changes in the social well-being of elderly people in the Komi Republic in the context of the economic crisis and reform of the pension system based on their subjective assessments of their economic, social and emotional well-being. The information sources are official statistics and the results of sociological surveys “Problems of the third age” conducted on the territory of the Komi Republic in 2013 and 2018 - in significantly different economic conditions. The authors found that the social well-being and vision of aging in older people are still quite optimistic. Estimates of aging are mostly positive: a well-deserved rest, calm and measured life without haste, free time for yourself and the family, the joy of communicating with children and grandchildren, time for life experience and wisdom. According to the respondents’ opinion, respect for the older generation is growing in Russian society and the prevalence of negative, dismissive attitudes is decreasing. However, in the context of the economic crisis and declining employment of old-age pensioners, their economic well-being is deteriorating. Against this background, there is redistribution in the economic plane and social problems that concern them, currently associated primarily with social inequality, illegal enrichment, poverty and its conservation. Problems of morality, violations of personal rights and freedoms, and opportunities for self-realization receded into the background. As personal problems, representatives of the elderly generation often note high prices, the future of children and grandchildren, and health problems. Taking into account the deterioration of the economic well-being of elderly people, the primary task of society is to ensure conditions for their active longevity, full participation in economic and social life, as well as for pensioners to receive an economic dividend from raising the retirement age.