Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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The Moscow Longevity Project is now accepting applications for the second cohort of the Barista School course. Classes will begin on March 20 and will be held weekly at 11 flagship Moscow Longevity Centers located throughout the capital.
Learn from professionals and do an internship at a coffee shop
Moscow Barista School experts will once again serve as instructors. They will introduce the older generation to coffee varieties and roasting levels, and teach them how to use a coffee machine and grinder. Participants will master alternative brewing methods—using a Turkish coffee pot, a moka pot, and a V60 coffee maker—and learn the secrets of perfect milk foam and latte art. A separate training module will be dedicated to preparing matcha and cocoa. Upon completion of the course, graduates will receive a Moscow Barista School certificate. You can enroll in the course bylink.
Graduates of the first cohort have already had the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice. On March 1st and 2nd, on the symbolic dates of Moscow Longevity's birthday and International Barista Day, the project participants worked shifts at Shokoladnitsa coffee shops.
For several hours, senior baristas worked behind the counter under the supervision of coffee shop staff. They took orders, prepared coffee, frothed milk, created latte art, and monitored the quality of drinks and the speed of service. All processes took place in real time—with actual customers and with full responsibility for the results.
"My main motivation for attending the 'Barista School' course was the desire to learn something completely new. Each lesson included theory and practice, so we not only mastered different coffee-making techniques but also learned interesting facts about it. Today was a real adventure for me. I was able to become part of a team of professionals, and the mentors helped me, explaining what to mix and what to add. It was a huge responsibility for us, because my results were judged by the coffee shop's patrons," shared Galina Zhuravleva, a participant in the Moscow Longevity project.
Visitors supported the new baristas, expressed interest in the project, and noted the high level of training of the participants. Honored Master of Sports of Russia and Olympic medalist figure skater Alexander Enbert sampled the coffee prepared by the older Muscovites.
"You need to learn throughout your life, and it's never too late to start mastering something new. It's important to constantly improve, develop, and move forward—this helps maintain mental clarity and vitality. Today, one of the Moscow Longevity participants, Galina, made me a wonderful coffee. Until recently, she simply loved this drink, but now, after completing specialized courses and training, she has become a true expert. Now she can brew delicious coffee not only for herself but also for other connoisseurs. It was very nice to meet someone who is moving forward, and most importantly, she's excellent at it," noted Alexander Enbert.
New skills and a new work environment
For the graduates, this experience was an opportunity to experience the rhythm of a modern coffee shop, work in a team, and gain confidence in their abilities. The internship, they said, helped them fully immerse themselves in the work environment and apply their new skills, while the course itself helped them rethink their approach to coffee: choosing beans more carefully, monitoring the grind and water temperature, and experimenting with proportions and brewing methods.
For Elena Fomina from the Krylatskoye Center for Longevity in Moscow, an internship at the coffee shop was an opportunity to put her knowledge into practice and gain a fresh perspective on coffee making. She particularly enjoyed the hands-on sessions, where participants learned various brewing methods, including alternative ones. She's already started using the knowledge she gained at home and is considering purchasing a espresso machine.
"It turns out there are many more ways to brew coffee than I imagined. I discovered pouring through a funnel and learned how to froth milk for cappuccino in a French press. I used to brew coffee by eye, without thinking about the proportions. Now I brew it mindfully: I understand how the flavor depends on the type, grind, and water-to-coffee ratio. I prefer a softer, chocolatey flavor without excess acidity, and now I try to match my beans to that preference. My family is happy I took the course and enjoys trying new drinks," she said.
The best graduates were selected based on practical training sessions held at the coffee shop chain's training center. There, participants practiced the skills they learned during the course using professional equipment in conditions as close as possible to a real coffee shop. Experts selected 22 finalists: their drinks received the highest ratings for taste and texture, they confidently used the equipment, and they completed practical tasks faster than others.
The Moscow Longevity project celebrated its eighth anniversary in March. According to Sergei Sobyanin, during this time, the project has united over 730 thousand participants, and the number of centers has grown to more than 140.
"Moscow Longevity" offers senior Muscovites over 100 activities, from sports and foreign language learning to digital technology, creativity, and applied skills. You can join the project online on the portal. mos.ru or leave a request forwebsite, as well as in person at any Moscow longevity center or at the My Documents office.
Support for older citizens in Moscow meets the goals and objectives of the federal project "Older Generation" of the national project "Family", which has been implemented in Russia since 2025 by decision of Vladimir Putin. Its main goal is to support families with children, large families, reproductive health, and strengthening family values. The national project also includes the development of initiatives for active aging, ensuring high-quality care for the elderly, and the development of a family-oriented cultural infrastructure. More information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.
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