Problems and Prospects of Silver Volunteering in Public Institutions (on the Example of the Moscow Longevity Project)

This thesis aimed to identify possible directions for developing "silver volunteering" in public institutions by identifying challenges and opportunities using the case of the Moscow Longevity Project (MLP). The objectives of the study included not only identifying the definition and social significance of "silver volunteering", but also formulating its position in the Russian Federation and in the MLP regarding current legislation and the development of active longevity, as well as substantiating the methodology for researching the challenges and opportunities of volunteering of older people in the context of the MLP. Among the tasks was also to identify the challenges and opportunities of interest clubs created by the elderly at the MLP and to develop recommendations for developing "silver volunteering" in MLP centers and other public institutions of the Russian Federation. During the research, seven in-depth interviews were conducted, five of which were with the founders of volunteer clubs and two more with MLP program specialists. As a result, the following positive factors of club activity were identified: effective information dissemination channels that promote the attraction of new people; comfortable premises and equipment for club activities; support for social, mental, and physical activity; a sense of importance in society; openness of club activity centers for young people; non-material encouragement. Among the factors requiring improvement are the introduction of those wishing to open a club into the format of club activities; maintaining the independence of the subject of clubs and ensuring their transport accessibility. The following suggestions were put forward as recommendations: the development of an introductory thematic course from the center for novice, inclusion of club’s creators in the management decision-making process by administration, as well as expanding transport accessibility and improving it for people with physical disabilities. Thus, the total number of positive factors in the development of club activities among "silver volunteers" confirms the need to expand and develop such programs at the federal and regional level.