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Aging in the Soviet Union: a west Siberian perspective.
1Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 61801.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Elderly individuals in Kemerovo, Siberia, experience strong family integration and respect. However, harsh living conditions and limited specialized facilities pose significant challenges for aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Geriatrics is not a recognized medical specialty in the Soviet Union.
- Ethnographic observations on aging populations are limited.
- Understanding the challenges faced by the elderly in industrial Soviet cities is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct ethnographic observations on the aged and aging in Kemerovo, Siberia.
- To supplement observations with insights from medical personnel.
- To review existing literature on geriatrics in the Soviet context.
Main Methods:
- Ethnographic fieldwork over a six-month period in Kemerovo.
- Interviews with local medical personnel.
- Literature review on geriatrics within the Soviet Union.
Main Results:
- The aged are well-integrated into families and generally respected.
- Difficulties include harsh living conditions, transportation issues, and inadequate nutrition.
- There is a significant lack of specialized facilities for the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Despite social respect, the elderly in Kemerovo face substantial environmental and systemic challenges.
- The absence of specialized geriatric care impacts the well-being of the aging population.
- Further research and resources are needed to address the needs of the elderly in similar contexts.