“Young at heart”: Social practices of “silver” volunteers (case of the Altai Territory)

Abstract

The article is related to the problem of active old age of Russians. The activities of the “silver” volunteers in the Altai Territory have become the object of research, and the subject is their social practices aimed at self-realization, cohesion around a common cause, intergenerational connection, integration into society, etc. The main focus when considering this issue is on the conceptualization of active old age. This approach makes it possible to identify the value attitudes of a particular reference group on a theoretical level, to show its social activity and involvement in intergenerational relations. At the same time, active old age is considered as a concept that focuses on a set of specific social practices, participation in which affects the social well-being of the older generation and affects their life strategies. The article is based on the results of interviews with “silver” volunteers (N = 22). The aim is to identify the attitude of older people to social activity in general, volunteering as a social phenomenon and specific social practices related to active old age and volunteering. The trend “young at heart” used by the “silver” volunteers themselves is analyzed from the point of view of its semantic conceptualization and involvement in the active life strategies of the subjects. As it is established, a common cause becomes one of the important factors of volunteer activity, their cohesion, achieving results in helping and supporting other people, as well as in meaningful life realization. The most significant social practices in the activities of the “silver” volunteers were identified — creative, inclusive, patriotic. These practices are aimed not only at developing the communication ties of the “silver” volunteers, but also at increasing their activity and involvement in social life.

Keywords:

, active old age, social practice, young at heart, social cohesion