Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
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The "Moscow Longevity" project, in collaboration with the NAFI analytical center, conducted a study on the role of professional development in the lives of people of "silver" age. It was based on the results of a survey involving more than two thousand city residents over 55.
"One of the goals of the Moscow Longevity project is to foster a new lifestyle that prioritizes social inclusion among the older generation. Together with NAFI, we examined the potential of middle-aged Muscovites in the labor market and once again confirmed that continuous education and development remain crucial for them. Muscovites are willing to learn new things professionally, even after age 70. Furthermore, respondents who have participated in the Moscow Longevity project demonstrate a greater willingness to work in positions that involve sharing their knowledge and experience with younger employees. The Moscow Longevity project supports this trend by offering participants a variety of educational course formats—from improving their skills with modern technology to professional retraining. Previously, in collaboration with the Rabota.ru service, we confirmed that 85 percent of surveyed Russian employers are interested in job seekers aged 55 and older," said the Deputy Head of the Moscow Department of Labor and Social Protection.
The study found that Moscow Longevity participants view work not only as a source of income but also as a resource for personal development. This view was shared by 48 percent of respondents who participated in the project and 31 percent of those who did not join.
A key difference also emerges in motivation. For participants in the "Moscow Longevity" project, the social aspects of work and self-development were more important: the desire to be useful (20 percent versus 11 percent), the desire to stay active (31 percent versus 20 percent), and the opportunity to travel (26 percent versus 16 percent).
The study confirms that older Muscovites view retraining as a way to continue their professional careers. Moreover, their willingness to acquire additional skills persists even after age 70—almost half of respondents in this age group are open to retraining to develop their competencies. Only 21 percent of respondents completely rule out this possibility. Forty-four percent of respondents consider changing careers after reaching age 75.
The Moscow Longevity project helps students acquire skills in various fields and offers a variety of educational programs, from basic computer literacy and foreign language skills to comprehensive professional retraining. A key part of the project's educational programs is the Silver University, created by Moscow City Pedagogical University and Synergy University. It allows older Muscovites to earn a professional retraining diploma and master new specialties, including information technology, pedagogy, tour guidance, and much more.
Furthermore, the study showed that Moscow Longevity participants are more flexible in their professional development. They are more actively considering mentoring and consulting opportunities. For example, 29 percent of respondents who joined the project are willing to become mentors for younger colleagues (compared to 19 percent of those not participating), and 34 percent would become consultants (compared to 26 percent of those not participating).
Moscow Longevity participants also demonstrate greater openness in their relationships with younger colleagues. They are more likely to value them as a source of new ideas (41 percent versus 33 percent) and note their high energy (37 percent versus 28 percent). This loyalty extends to interactions with younger managers. Sixty-four percent of Moscow Longevity participants feel comfortable subordinate to a younger manager. Among those not participating in the project, 56 percent of respondents shared this opinion.
To support intergenerational connections, Moscow Longevity is implementing a project "Dialogue of Generations: Hearing Each Other"Developed in collaboration with the Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis, it helps older adults learn to resolve disputes and communicate in a way that their children and grandchildren will listen to and understand.
The NAFI study confirmed that Moscow Longevity participants are generally more open to new experiences: 82 percent of respondents admitted to enjoying new experiences. They get these from trips, events, and training. Among respondents not participating in the project, this response was less common—71 percent agreed.
"The results of our joint study showed that participation in social activity programs broadens the horizons of opportunities for older people—from digital confidence to a willingness to engage in intergenerational collaboration. This means that working with the 55-year-old population should focus not on limitations, but on potential: engagement, a desire to learn, and the ability to be carriers of valuable knowledge. For employers and city projects, this opens the door to creating mixed teams, developing mentoring, and flexible retraining programs that capitalize on the strengths of this population—their resilience, experience, and high social motivation," emphasized Guzeliya Imaeva, CEO of the NAFI Analytical Center.
You can join the Moscow Longevity project online at mos.ru portal, as well as in person at any Moscow Longevity Center or at My Documents offices.
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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.