[SOCIAL AND MEDICAL DETERMINANTS OF AGING (OVERVIEW)]

The relevance of this study stems from the global challenge of population aging. This review, conducted according to PRISMA methodology based on the analysis of 45 scientific articles (2019-2025), systematizes key social and medical determinants of aging. Evidence indicates that socioeconomic status (SES) is a fundamental factor: low SES increases the risk of dementia, multimorbidity, and accelerated biological aging by limiting access to healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices. Conversely, education serves as a powerful protective factor, increasing vitality indicators by 15-30% through programs like «Universities of the Third Age». Social isolation shows a significant correlation with cognitive impairment and depression, as evidenced, for example, by a 23% decrease in the Active Longevity Index (ALI) observed in rural regions of the Russian Federation. Lifestyle factors, including nutrition and physical activity, are equally critical, as is the detrimental impact of environmental pollution in accelerating aging. Among medical determinants, chronic diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes) and frailty/sarcopenia, affecting 52% of individuals over 80, play a leading role. Access to geriatric care remains limited (lt; 10% in low-income countries); however, telemedicine and the integration of geriatricians into primary care settings demonstrate efficacy. Genetic and environmental factors also exert a significant, unconditional influence on aging processes. Thus, the principal determinants influencing the quality of life of older adults inform the direction of efforts aimed at developing a comprehensive policy framework to combat premature aging.