Older Russians complain of anxiety and depression
More than half of Russian citizens over the age of 60 have symptoms of anxiety or depression. This is stated in the study of the Russian Academy of Sciences. “Kommersant” writes about it.
The researchers analyzed the data of the random observation of the health status of the population conducted by Rosstat in 2023. It included 36.8 thousand elderly Russians. More than half of the respondents reported the presence of anxiety or depression in moderate (49% of respondents) or severe (5%) forms. In the State Duma, they assume that the elderly suffer “more than others” because of the war in Ukraine and that their depression will pass “after the victory” of the Russian troops.
People over the age of 80 suffer from depression and anxiety more often than others. At the same time, women are more likely than men to report anxious or depressive moods (52% versus 42% in the group of moderate states). The study also showed that lonely people suffer more often from anxiety and depression. In addition, the prevalence and severity of mental health problems is higher among less educated and less wealthy people.
The chairman of the State Duma committee on family protection, issues of fatherhood, motherhood and childhood, Nina Ostanina, in an interview with “Kommersant”, notes that other age groups also show signs of depression. In her opinion, this may be connected with the war against Ukraine. “Empathy, a sense of responsibility for one’s country among people over 60 is extremely acute. After the victory, it seems to me, this number will decrease significantly,” says Ostanina.
A member of the Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy, Aleksandra Tytareva, believes that the psychological state of elderly Russians is significantly influenced by their financial situation. “Poverty and old age are closely related. With low incomes, stress factors increase: limited access to quality care, uncertainty and uncertainty in the future. These problems provoke a feeling of lack of control over life – people’s level of neuroticism increases, self-esteem decreases,” Tatareva believes.
According to a study by the Russian Academy of Sciences, in 2023, the share of the population over 60 years of age in Russia amounted to 23.5%. According to expert estimates, by 2050 this indicator will reach 32%.
