Navigating Aging Years in Russia: State Support & Private Insurance Options
Insurance entities introduce assistance programs catering to senior citizens
In today's Russia, the average life expectancy has surged by 8.5 years to 73.5 years in the last two decades. This demographic shift, coupled with reduced birth rates, has led to an ever-rising population of elderly citizens. By 2030, one-quarter of the Russian population will be aged 65 or above, as predicted by Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova [1]. With seniority comes a heightened risk of disease, especially oncological ailments and diverse forms of dementia. Consequently, the need for elderly care grows increasingly inevitable [1].
As of now, 17% of Russian families are providing care for their aging relatives [1]. However, the needs of those requiring external help go unmet. According to calculations by the charity fund "Old Age in Joy," there's a demand for care for approximately 1.5-1.7 million people [1]. The federal project "Older Generation" under the national "Demography" project aims to provide long-term care for roughly 500,000 people by 2030. But the state alone will struggle to meet the needs of everyone requiring such assistance, believes Elizabeth Oleskina, the head of the charity fund "Old Age in Joy" [1].
To bridge this gap, various insurance products are springing up across the country, offering assistance in maintaining a decent standard of living for those unable to care for themselves. One such program comes from "Rosgosstrakh Life", which adds long-term care as an option to standard insurance packages for corporate clients, at a cost of 1,000 rubles annually [1]. The package includes services like meal preparation, mobility assistance, medication management, medical rehabilitation, and psychological support [1]. In 2025, "Rosgosstrakh Life" intends to launch a separate comprehensive care service, catering to long-term programs, as well as post-operative rehabilitation [1].
Capital Life Insurance offers another insurance product exclusively for long-term care for the sick, costing 15,000 rubles per year [1]. The "Standard Care" policy includes services from visiting or live-in caregivers, therapists or nurses, assistance with renting medical or rehabilitation equipment, and consultations with treating doctors [1].
While the landscape of private insurance options may still be unfolding, the Russian government has been proactive in bolstering support for the elderly. The government has approved a strategy intended to boost the quality of life for senior citizens, advancing initiatives such as promoting healthy longevity, enhancing medical services, and encouraging respect for older generations [2]. Strategic projects like "Long and Active Life" and "New technologies for saving health" are underway [2]. On top of that, a national system of long-term care is in development, though details about the nature of the services provided remain scarce [3].
As an alternative to private insurance, the state has a comprehensive social-medical care system for long-term care in the works, funded by both federal and regional budgets [3]. Under this system, care is provided in settings that range from home to day or round-the-clock facilities. To receive support, individuals must be evaluated by experts who determine their level of need and the corresponding list of social services required [3]. The assistance package often includes support with meals, medication, hygiene procedures, temperature and pressure measurement, and mobility [3].
Despite the government's efforts to address the growing elderly care need, there's agreement among experts that the issue demands a systematic, cooperative approach [4]. Achieving lasting solutions requires synergy between insurance companies, the government, medical institutions, and regulatory bodies. In this endeavor, the involvement of charitable organizations and local communities also holds immense importance [4].
In foreign lands, insurance companies are taking on the responsibility of providing long-term care upon reaching old age or experiencing a serious illness or disability. Individuals pay premiums monthly or annually, which later fund their post-care requirements. In nations like Japan, Israel, Germany, France, and Singapore, such programs enjoy state participation, typically through co-financing or subsidy provision [4]. Russia may follow suit, with experts like Ella Dolganova, the director of social project development at "Rosgosstrakh Life," advocating for employers to shoulder the cost of insurance premiums [4]. Implementing this initiative would enable the formation of insurance reserves for infrastructure development and service quality improvement, effectively addressing systemic financing issues.
However, some industry representatives question the readiness of both employers and the broader society to embrace such initiatives [4]. Despite 55% of Russians expressing interest in care insurance, half of them are reluctant to commit if the monthly premium exceeds 1,000 rubles [4]. Today, it appears that addressing the aging Russians' needs involves a delicate balance between state support, private insurance, and community involvement.
- In 2025, Sovcombank plans to integrate long-term care services into its standard insurance packages for corporate clients.
- The need for mental health care is particularly important, given the increased risks of mental health issues among the elderly.
- Mens-health and skin-care should not be overlooked when addressing the holistic health-and-wellness needs of the elderly.
- Therapies-and-treatments for various forms of dementia and oncological ailments are crucial in maintaining the health of the elderly.
- Philanthropic organizations like "Old Age in Joy" are advocating for the integration of personal-finance and workplace-wellness programs to support the needs of the elderly.
- Aging gracefully relies on a combination of science and lifestyle choices, including making smart food-and-drink decisions and maintaining a healthy home-and-garden environment.
- The government's involvement in elderly care extends to encompassing the education-and-self-development sector, with a focus on promoting general-news and self-improvement resources.
- Shopping services for seniors, utilities, and even casino-and-gambling outlets should consider catering to the unique needs of the elderly population.
- Travel arrangements should take into account the accommodation and transportation requirements of the elderly, considering factors like accessibility and safety.
- Sports and fitness programs designed for seniors can help foster physical activity, contributing to overall wellness and happiness.
- Businesses can support aging employees by prioritizing mental-health and professional development opportunities, fostering a positive work environment.
- Regulations and legislation in the insurance industry should be reassessed to ensure seniors have access to affordable insurance products.
- Relationships between family and friends play a vital role in maintaining the well-being of the elderly, offering emotional support and companionship.
- As life expectancy continues to increase, the importance of maintaining long-term care infrastructure will become more paramount.
- The concept of Medicaid for the elderly, extending beyond health care to include lifestyle, personal-finance, and technology resources, could revolutionize care in Russia.
