Older generation as a resource for modernization of Russia

The article presents outcomes of the complex study of different aspects of vital activity of the population over working age conducted by ISESP RAS. Using the methodology of resource potential there was made a gradation of the «third» and «fourth№ ages, identified the factors determining the possibilities and limitations in vital activity. It was found out that representatives of the “third” age possess the resources which allow us to consider them as a possible factor of economic modernization.