Active Ageing and Social Services: The Paradox of Empowerment in Russia

Abstract

The essay describes the adoption of an active ageing policy framework in Russia. Based on semi-structured interviews with elderly Russians, the essay provides evidence of confusion and uncertainty on how to perceive one's own ageing. Research participants understood that the ‘paternalistic’ view of old age as a time of troubles was now largely viewed as obsolete, yet the new ‘optimistic’ view of old age as a time of freedom and opportunities often did not reflect their experiences. This mismatch in discourses and practices reflects how participatory empowerment rhetoric, which promotes active ageing, is becoming a justification for more modest state social service provision.