About events

On November 27, 2024, as part of the International Forum-Exhibition «Russian Industrialist», the meeting of the RUIE Coordination Council for the Northwestern Federal District was held.

The impact of the current discount rate of the Central Bank on the economic situation and the implementation of investment programs was discussed.

The meeting was attended by Aleksandr Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Sergey Mytenkov, Vice President of the RUIE, Managing Director of the RRUIE Regional Development Department, Aleksey Mordashov, Chairman of the RUIE Committee on Integration, Trade and Customs Policy and WTO, Chairman of the Board of Directors of «Severstal» PJSC, Pavel Isaev, Executive Secretary of the RUIE Committee on Integration, Trade and Customs Policy and WTO, Anatoly Turchak, President of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of St. Petersburg, Mikhail Lobin, General Director of the Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of St. Petersburg, representatives of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Novosibirsk, Murmansk and other Regions.

Aleksandr Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, recalled that Russia is one of the three countries with the highest key interest rate. He noted that it is necessary to link the rate to the real inflation rate.

«The ideal model is to take a pause on the rate hike until April and see if the threats that business is talking about manifest themselves in terms of investments, etc. If the economy adapts, it will be great, then we can hold this rate. If it turns out that the parameters have come down, it will be possible to conduct an experiment on reducing the rate to 15–16%», said Aleksandr Shokhin, adding that when the rate was raised in 2022, concessional lending opportunities for backbone enterprises emerged in parallel, and benefits for SME investment projects were introduced.

«Today we propose to look at these instruments for their re-use», added the RUIE head.

«The existence of a formula for linking the rate to inflation is the element of predictability of financial policy. Consistency between the Central Bank and the government, balanced compromise solutions between financial authorities and business, and development institutions are major objectives in 2025», said Aleksandr Shokhin.

He also noted that the proposals of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs to finalize the package of tax adjustments were taken into account when developing the relevant project. In particular, this affected the right of investment deduction to compensate for the increase in income tax.

«With the increase in income tax, we believed that actively investing companies should be entitled to an automatic federal investment tax deduction of up to 8%, that is, the right to zero the federal portion of income tax», said Aleksandr Shokhin.

This is due to the fact that, according to the head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the increase in the income tax rate should not be sensitive for companies involved in investing.

«And we have seen justice here in the fact that for investing companies, the increase in the income tax rate will not be sensitive», he stressed.

Pavel Isaev, Executive Secretary of the RUIE Committee on Integration, Trade and Customs Policy and WTO, Deputy CEO of «Severstal», noted that 2022 was the maximum year in terms of investment, and today business is hostage to the situation with a constant increase in the key rate.

«Today, most of the corporate loans are taken out at a floating rate, as the business did not expect that the rate would be so high for 16 months. And currently, business is hostage to the situation, they are forced to restructure their debts at high rates, which has a bad effect on the investment capacities of enterprises», said Pavel Isaev, adding that inflation in the Russian Federation is non-monetary.

«High inflation is due to the fact that the country’s economy has been in a very difficult transformation since the 1990s, and is forced to enter new markets, as its access to old ones is complicated. The costs associated with the limitation of the payment infrastructure and insurance capacities are high. Additional pressure is exerted by the severe shortage of personnel in almost all sectors, the demographic pit, and the diversion of personnel from the economy to the SVO (Special Military Operation)», explained Pavel Isaev.

Following the meeting, it was decided to form the consolidated position of the Coordination Council of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs for the Northwestern Federal District on the strategy and tactics for further solving the problem of high cost of borrowed funds. In future, it is planned to create the effective platform for discussion in the format of a working group of the Bank of Russia and the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

The International Forum-Exhibition «Russian Industrialist 2024» takes place on November 26–28 in St. Petersburg, at the EXPOFORUM Convention and Exhibition Centre. «Russian Industrialist» is the major international discussion platform in Russia, for analyzing trends in developing the industrial complex, determining the main areas of economic growth and finding optimal solutions to overcome existing challenges. This year, the key tracks of the Forum were: industrial development prospects, technological sovereignty, customer orientation, workers and engineers, young industrialists and entrepreneurs, open industry, international cooperation.

The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs has traditionally acted as a co-organizer.

On November 27, the 28^th International Forum-Exhibition «Russian Industrialist» was opened at the EXPOFORUM Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Aleksandr Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RUIE) was the first to make his speech.

«The Forum-Exhibition «Russian Industrialist» has become so large-scaled now, that the EXPOFORUM can barely accommodate everyone. St. Petersburg is not only the cultural capital, but also a center for development of industry, technological leadership, personnel training for the new economy, and implementation of national projects», said Shokhin.

Vasily Osmakov, First Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, noted that «Russian Industrialist» makes it possible to assess the country’s technological and human resources potential on the eve of the launch of national technological leadership projects.

Aleksandr Beglov, Governor of St. Petersburg, sent his greeting speech to the participants of the Forum-Exhibition.

«Industry plays a key role in Russia’s sustainable development and strengthening of its technological sovereignty. We are proud that the International Forum-Exhibition «Russian Industrialist» is being held in our city for the 28th time in the year of the 320th anniversary of the St. Petersburg industry. The Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin stressed that the growth rate of St. Petersburg’s industry is three times higher than in the country. We have huge production, scientific and technological capacities», said Beglov in his address.
Kirill Polyakov, Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg, stated that «Russian Industrialist» grows from year to year, and the current project will become the record number of visitors. He also emphasized the wide representation of partners from friendly countries at the Forum-Exhibition.

Denis Bakey, Deputy Minister of Industry of the Republic of Belarus, noted that in three years the country’s exhibition area has grown from 80 to 500 sq. m. The sanctions have not affected the Belarusian industry. The Republic is following the path of import substitution and innovation.

In conclusion, Denis Kravchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, the Committee on Economic Policy, delivered his speech.

«These days we are celebrating a decade since adoption of the federal law on industrial policy. Industry and the military-industrial complex are the backbone of the national economy. Today, projects in the field of import conservation and technological independence are actively developing and growing», said Kravchenko.

The thematic tracks of the «Russian Industrialist» Congress Program include interindustry cooperation, industrial infrastructure development, and international cooperation. In total, more than 100 events are planned. The key event is the Plenary Session «10 Years of the Law on Industrial Policy: Outcomes of Implementation and Ambitious Tasks».

Over 300 companies take part in the Exhibition. Collective expositions of industrial enterprises will be presented by 11 regions of the Russian Federation (St. Petersburg, Krasnodarsky Krai, Krasnoyarsky Krai, Primorsky Krai, Irkutsk, Ryazan, Kursk, Leningrad, Kurgan, Moscow Regions, Republic of Crimea), the RUIE, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the Association of Exporters and Importers, the Union of Mining Industry, the Republic of Belarus. The international participants are represented by Turkey, China, Iran and India.

More than 13 thousand visitors are expected at the Forum-Exhibition.

The «Russian Industrialist» co-organizers are the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia and the Government of St. Petersburg.

At the same time as «Russian Industrialist», the International Exhibition of Security Equipment and Devices for Safety and Fire Protection SFITEX, the St. Petersburg International Educational Salon and Congress «Vocational Education, Science and Innovation» and the Finale of the Professional Skills Championship «Professionals» are taking place.

Exercise equipment for the spine and the strength of the Belarusian nature. What surprised the exposition of the XVII International Forum «The Senior Generation».

The central place at the exhibition was occupied by the collective stand of St. Petersburg, where the initiatives of the priority urban project «Silver Age» were developed by the Committee on Social Policy, the Committee on Health, the Committee on Culture, the Housing Committee, the Committee on Physical Culture and Sports, the Committee on Informatization and Communications, the Center for the Organization of Social Services, the City Information and Methodological Center «Family», City Information and Settlement Center, Comprehensive centers for social services, St. Petersburg Public Organization of Veterans, Veterans House.

As you know, my house is my fortress, but for the elderly, an apartment is fraught with many dangers with the risk of domestic injury. They can be avoided if you create the safest and most comfortable space. A special exhibition in the format of the showroom «Home of an elderly person» will help in this.

There are lifting beds, steps for baths, pillows for reading and much more. All these devices allow the elderly to manage without assistance, reduce the likelihood of accidental falls and damage.

For example, the Open Systems Company (OSC) offers domestic products for the prevention of pressure sores, fixation, movement, assistance in everyday life, waterproof mattresses and bed linen, special cloths.

«We are a St. Petersburg manufacturer of care and rehabilitation products. There are lines not only for the older generation, but also for people with disabilities, cognitive impairments, and products for palliative care. These are not medical products, but auxiliary products. Its purpose is to arrange space and everyday life, compensate for missing functions, and help medical staff, nurses, and social workers.

At the Forum, we present products for fixing and moving people who are lying down, caring for them, as well as adaptive products and clothing for rehabilitation. Such clothes are required for wheelchair users, people with a cast. For example, they cannot go out for a walk in ordinary clothes, our products allow them to do this.

Our industry in Russia has emerged recently, when the issue of import substitution arose. Therefore, we are actively developing now, and we see active interest from customers and consumers, including Forum visitors. Even students who are just starting their studies in medical specialties come», said Victoria Verteletskaya, OSC Development Director.

The heart and brain are two main human organs, they require special attention. It is important not to miss the signals and be as aware as possible of possible pathologies and problems. Therefore, on the «Senior Generation» you can get right inside the inflatable heart and learn all about the diseases of our «motor».

A similar principle applies to the brain, but here all the information is outside, on the cortex. You can get it using a QR code. If you think that older people don’t know how to do this, you’re mistaken. The Forum hosts many workshops, including on computer literacy. After them, your grandparents will at least reinstall Windows. No wonder the key theme of the «Senior Generation» is active longevity.

And in order to achieve it, you need to actively engage in sports. But what if your back and joints hurt? There is a way out. Several simulators for therapeutic and adaptive physical education from the Dr. Bubnovsky Center, the Biomir XXI company and the Tonus Club fitness club are being demonstrated at the Forum.

«We are a light fitness club. Our simulators primarily take the load off the spine and train all muscle groups, making them move. This is our own production. We make simulators in St. Petersburg and supply them all over the world.

They come to us after injuries and surgeries. Even with serious spinal problems, our simulators can keep you active, improve blood circulation and physical fitness.

At the exhibition, we are showing balance, a platform for working with coordination and strengthening a muscular corset, roller simulators and massage couches», said the fitness instructor of the Tonus Club.

After sports, you need to have a good rest and recuperate. And the Senior Generation forum will also help in this. Various boarding houses and health camps from Russia and Belarus offer their services on the site.

«The health camps of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Belarus take care of socially vulnerable segments of the population, veterans, and pensioners. We feel a great demand for our services, and the Senior Generation forum confirms this. 50% of all patients in Belarusian health camps are Russians. They come to us for natural healing factors – sapropel mud, mineral waters – as well as modern physiotherapy and rehabilitation. We treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system, kidneys, and heart. Each health camp has its own specialization», said Andrey Mikanovich, Chief physician of the Lenin Health Camp.

The XVII International Forum «Senior Generation» takes place at Expoforum from October 23 to 26. The congress program includes 27 events with participation of 180 speakers and more than 2,000 specialists from 51 regions of Russia, Belarus and Israel. More than 100 companies from Russia, Belarus, Armenia are taking part in the exhibition.

The important part of the Forum is the «Silver Age» Festival. Kaleidoscope of vibrant competitions, intellectual and sport contests, lectures, and master classes.

As part of the XVII International Forum «The Senior Generation», an open vocal competition among representatives of the silver age «And youth sings in the heart!» was held.

This year, the competition brought together a record number of talented older performers – 388 people demonstrated their vocal abilities in various musical genres. The theme of the contest was dedicated to the hits of Soviet cinema.

The competition was held in four categories: folk style, including folklore singing, pop style, academic style and author’s song. The last nomination provided for an important condition – the authors of the performed works must be in the age range of the participants, which undoubtedly added a unique warmth and sincerity.

Participants from different parts of Russia presented their best performances to the jury and the audience, impressing with the depth of their performance and emotional intensity.

Aleksandr Rokin, ex-guitarist of the band Picnic, was among the jury members – the presence of such an authoritative musician gave the vocal competition special significance.

The contest has become a real celebration of music and creativity, bringing together people for whom age is just a number, but youth still sings in their hearts.

The following performers became the winners of the competition:

Folk style, solo – Tatiana Alekseeva (Primorsky district)
Folk style, choir – Harmony choir (Kirovsky district)
Pop style, solo – Sergey Poyunov (Pushkin district)
Pop style, duet – Oksana Patolinskaya, Natalya Panova
Pop style, choir – vocal ensemble «Energy of Life» (Moskovsky district)
Academic style, solo – Marianna Knoroz (Vasileostrovsky district),
Academic style, duet – Leonid Gorbenko, Marianna Knoroz (Vasileostrovsky district)
Academic style, choir – academic choir «Gloria» (Krasnogvardeysky district)
Author’s song, solo – Margarita Kuznetsova (Nevsky district)
Author’s song, choir – Harmony choir (Moskovsky district)

On October 24, Expoforum hosted the conference «Silver Age — the New Standard of St. Petersburg Longevity», where participants discussed the results achieved and prospects for the city’s program to support elderly residents.

The conference was organized by Social Policy Committee of St. Petersburg, the St. Petersburg State Institution «Social Services Organization Centre», and the St. Petersburg City Information and Methodological Center «Family». The event began with a musical performance by the vocal and choral ensemble «Nadezhda» of the St. Petersburg State Educational Institution Integrated Center for Social Services of the Admiralteysky District of St. Petersburg.

The Commissioner for Human Rights in St. Petersburg, Svetlana Agapitova, awarded the winners of the III contest of stories about outstanding residents of the city of 60+ «My years are my wealth». The competition was held for the first time within the framework of the International Forum «The Senior Generation».

«Some of the heroes of the stories went through the war, some survived the blockade. But despite the difficulties and difficult life path, despite their age, these people continue to radiate optimism and actively participate in public life. Where to talk about such people, if not at the forum «The Senior Generation», Svetlana Agapitova emphasized.

Galina Kolosova, First Deputy Chairman of the St. Petersburg Committee on Social Policy, noted that the finalists of the competition and participants of the St. Petersburg Silver Age program are the ambassadors of this project, an example of how to live to be leaders of your social groups at any age. According to Galina Kolosova, St. Petersburg’s longevity is based on knowledge, sport, and creativity. She said that the Silver Age project is currently in the process of forming and consolidating standards for supporting elderly citizens and developing modern social services.

Dmitry Yavorsky, Head of the Department for Coordination of activities of subordinate institutions and Development of Social Protection Institutions of the St. Petersburg Committee on Social Policy, informed the conference participants about how the infrastructure of urban programs for the older generation of Petersburgers is developing. A part of the mentioned project, it is planned to open four citywide Silver Age centers, which can be visited by elderly citizens without reference to their place of residence, and 18 district centers.

The importance of comprehensive support for women during menopause: on the physical, emotional and psychological levels was highlighted by Zukhra Khapayeva, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of St. Petersburg State Medical Institution City Polyclinic No. 40, who spoke at the event about the experience of creating a women’s health center, which implements an integrated approach to working with women during periods of natural age-related physiological changes.

Valentina Kozyreva, Deputy Director of the St. Petersburg State University «Information Support Center», called on the event visitors to actively take advantage of the Silver Age cards based on the Unified Card of St. Petersburg. Launched on September 1, 2024, the service allows the elderly to visit the city’s museums for 1 ruble, as well as enjoy discounts from UCP partners: pharmacies, theaters, cafes, etc. Starting in the spring of 2025, RUB 1,500 thousand will be credited to the card to pay for tickets to city and federal museums. According to Valentina Kozyreva, the city authorities are working to include sports facilities in the program so that the city’s pensioners can visit sports facilities and swimming pools on preferential terms.

But while the innovation is being prepared, elderly Petersburgers can already exercise on a regular basis, strengthening their health and leading an active lifestyle. Irina Korneeva, a leading specialist in the Department of sports and mass work of the Committee on Physical Culture and Sports of the city, recalled that currently there are 18 regional state centers of physical culture and sports in St. Petersburg, which have 700 sports facilities at their disposal, providing places for classes in 629 sections. The most favorite sports of the older generation of Petersburgers are Nordic walking, swimming, and cross-country skiing, Irina Korneeva said.

Visiting libraries remains an equally popular way to spend leisure time and maintain active longevity among St. Petersburg residents. Marina Konyukhova, Head of the Center for Business and Socio-Legal Information of the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Culture «Central City Public Library named after V.V. Mayakovsky», stated that 20% or one in five readers of city libraries are people of the older generation.

«But today people come to libraries not only to read, but also to visit them for educational, cultural and leisure purposes», Marina Konyukhova clarified.

The conference participants learned about the possibilities of the professional sociothecs of St. Petersburg, an electronic database of techniques and technologies developed and applied by social service organizations, took part in a prize draw and agreed that active longevity is an art, which all conditions are created in St. Petersburg to study and immerse oneself in.

Young people, Labor Heroes and veterans of the Great Patriotic War gathered in St. Petersburg at the site of the XVII International Forum «The Senior Generation». The participants of the meeting discussed what can unite everyone, regardless of age: family ties, love of work and dedication to the Motherland.

The «Meeting of three Generations» was organized by the St. Petersburg Public Organization of Veterans (Pensioners, Disabled People) of War, Labor, the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies.

The chairman of the organization, Vasily Volobuyev, addressed the participants.

«Russia is the leading power in the world, and veterans are the spiritual and moral backbone of the country. They did their job by educating the patriots of their country. Historical memory is the most important resource of Russia’s power. It is no coincidence that today we celebrate the significant dates of our victories, and this memory should live on and encourage us to think about our Homeland first, and then about ourselves», he said and wished the youth to set goals and achieve them.

Lyubov Shantseva, a teacher and mentor of youth, told about the book «Stars of Glory» about the Heroes of Labor of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The publication is dedicated to the Heroes of Socialist Labor and the Heroes of Labor of the Russian Federation, mentors and industry leaders. The publication of the book was timed to coincide with the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the title Hero of Socialist Labor and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the title Hero of Labor of Russia.

Honored Teacher of the Russian Federation, Honorary Chemist of the USSR Lyudmila Smirnova told the youth about her childhood in Leningrad during the war and post-war period, about admission to a pedagogical institute, about community service in the regions and about the work of a teacher.

«I’m grateful for the life I’ve had!» she shared.

Isai Kuzinets, Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Veterans’ Organization, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, a resident of besieged Leningrad, Captain of the First Rank, spoke on the topic «The role of the family in educating true patriots and defenders of the Motherland». He talked about meeting his wife, with whom he recently celebrated the 42nd anniversary of their marriage.

«I am experiencing a fountain of happiness so far! It is important to choose such a fate! You should choose not beauty, but a friend who thinks in the same direction with you, the mother of her children. If you want to live a happy life, choose your own kind!» he said.

1. Kuzinets shared the story of his service and noted that he built his life «according to his father»: «Take care of your family, respect your parents! I command you to have love and happiness!»

Lyudmila Ermoshkina, Chairman of the NGO «Women of St. Petersburg», presented the book «Leningrad Madonnas» about women of the time of the siege and spoke about the role of women in the development of Russia. She retold several stories of the book’s heroines and noted that during the Great Patriotic War, about a million women fought on the fronts.

Rector of St. Sergius of Radonezh Church in the Primorsky district of St. Petersburg, Priest Dmitry Zubov urged the audience to preserve their memory, but not to suppress the sprouts of life – to show young people examples of modern exploits, for example, the experience of young veterans.

«It is necessary to impart to schoolchildren the experience of a wise attitude to life, to develop patriotic work in schools. Love for the motherland is its protection», he said.

Representatives of the Military Institute of Army General A. V. Khrulev Railway Troops and Military Communications Military Academy, including young veterans of the SMO, addressed the audience. They told about their experience of participating in military operations, wished the youth to find their life’s work.

During the meeting, vocal performances from Elena Talkovskaya and other performers from the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution Krasnogvardeysky Cultural and Leisure Center were performed, a video clip «My Family during the Great Patriotic War» was shown by students of the cadet classes Nikolai and Vladislav Khryastolov, as well as a video clip from cadets of the Military Institute of Army General A. V. Khrulev Railway Troops and Military Communications Military Academy.

How do the developments of modern optometrists help people avoid the most common eye diseases – glaucoma and cataracts, and, if they occur, improve the quality of life of patients? This issue was raised during discussions at the conference «Pushkin Readings-2024: innovative digital solutions to socially significant problems in geriatrics». The conference is organized on the sidelines of the XVII International Forum «The Senior Generation», which is taking place these days at Expoforum. The discussions were held with the support of the North Western State Medical University named after Mechnikov.

The issue of preserving vision in old age and supporting patients who have suffered from inflammatory diseases of the visual organs is becoming increasingly relevant today. Given the progressive aging of mankind, the topic of preserving the high quality of life of people of the «silver age» comes to the fore. Full-fledged vision and hearing, as well as the ability to move and maintain all cognitive functions, are the tasks that doctors around the world are solving. During the discussions of the Pushkin Readings, Russian ophthalmologists spoke about the possibilities of outpatient, drug and surgical support for patients with glaucoma and cataract, as well as those suffering from presbyopia.

Presbyopia is an eye anomaly, loss of the ability to focus, in other words, age-related hyperopia. More than 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from this disease. Uncorrected presbyopia accounts for 34% in developed countries and more than 50% in developing countries. «The age of patients with presbyopia falls at the peak of their professional activity, while a sharp decline in the working capacity of such people steadily leads to global financial losses», said Elena Klyushnikova, head of the ophthalmology department at the Northwestern State Medical University named after Mechnikov. «The problem becomes especially urgent in the light of the increase in the retirement age; the disease leads to a decrease in the quality of human life and to a violation of psychological well-being». According to medical forecasts, the number of patients with age-related hyperopia will steadily increase, and due to urbanization and population aging, it will reach almost 2 billion people by 2050.

By the beginning of 2024, the number of senior citizens in St. Petersburg was almost 1.5 million, or 26 percent of the total population. The city on the Neva River is also the leader in Russia in terms of the number of centenarians. As of March 2024, 28,000 people over the age of 90 lived in the city, including 466 Petersburgers who celebrated their centenary. Ophthalmologists call all these one and a half million people «potential presbyopes in need of vision correction».

Correction involves the use of complex types of intraocular lenses of two types: refractive-diffraction and EDOF lenses with increased depth of focus. In 2023, 88 complex intraocular lenses (56 refractive-diffractive and 32 EDOF) were implanted in the Department of Ophthalmology of the Northwestern State Medical University named after Mechnikov.

Zemfira Dautova, Deputy Chief Physician of the Medical and Preventive Center, cited a disappointing fact: according to WHO, glaucoma has taken the leading position in visual disability diseases today. The main problem is that patients most often seek medical help too late, when conservative treatment is no longer possible; the disease is also often detected accidentally, during the diagnosis of other diseases.

Natalia Mitrofanova, a doctor at the ophthalmological clinic of the North Western State Medical University named after Mechnikov, also stressed the importance of the issue: «According to official statistics, more than 1 million glaucoma patients were registered in Russia in 2022. If the patient is treated in the late stages, vision decreases irreversibly. And, unfortunately, the patients themselves do not always help the doctor in healing: only 35 percent of patients regularly perform all the oculist’s appointments and use prescribed medicine; many often let the disease take its course».

Vasily Ivaskov, Doctor of Ophthalmology at the Northwestern State Medical University named after Mechnikov, shared with the panelists ways to correct cataracts, another disease that often leads elderly patients to disability. Clouding of the lens of the eye closes the top three most urgent diseases of the visual organs of the elderly; about 100 million people live with it worldwide. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and an intraocular lens (mono, EDOF, MF) is implanted, as a result of which vision is restored.

The participants in the discussions were unanimous in their opinion: with the use of all new methods of conservative and surgical treatment, as well as with the assistance of the patient himself, in most cases it is possible to preserve the quality of both vision and the entire life of an elderly person.

During the discussions of the XVII International forum «The Senior Generation», St. Petersburg rheumatologists named the disease as the scourge of the modern elderly, and also talked about the «paradox of obesity».

The event was held at Expoforum as part of the conference «Pushkin Readings-2024: Innovative digital solutions to socially significant problems in geriatrics».

Experts in the study and treatment of rheumatic diseases shared with the participants of the discussion information that these diseases are steadily increasing in the world. And overweight and obese people have the greatest chance of deteriorating health. Thus, exceeding the body mass index (BMI) by just one standard deviation significantly increases the risk of developing diseases: rheumatoid arthritis – by 52 percent, osteoarthritis – by 49, gout – by 70, and psoriatic arthropathy – by 80 percent. The effect of BMI is more pronounced in women with regard to gout and psoriasis.

At the same time, overweight people have a higher bone density and a fracture of the proximal femur is much less likely to occur. And the reason is that adipose tissue is a source of estrogen synthesis, and they, in turn, protect bone tissue. Overweight people are not as afraid of fractures as dystrophic ones. This is the «paradox of obesity»: overweight and a high BMI reliably protect a person from osteoporosis (a metabolic disease of the skeleton characterized by a decrease in bone density). Osteoporosis is a scourge of the elderly, and its most striking manifestation is pathological fractures in typical places. And the most catastrophic, leading to severe disability, is a fracture of the femoral neck and spine.

Overweight elderly people have their own risks: it has been proven that obesity is accompanied by an increased risk of falls. «You and I know that those who fall more often break bones more often», says Olga Lesnyak, professor of the Department of Family Medicine at the Northwestern State Medical University named after Mechnikov, President of the Russian Association for Osteoporosis. – But I want to clarify that obese people just break other bones than people with a normal BMI. They more often injure the shin or humerus, less often the femur, vertebrae, pelvis or forearm, and therefore their fractures sometimes do not fall into the statistics of the «classics of osteoporosis».

The topic of rehabilitation of patients with osteoporosis was continued by Oksana Inamova, Chief Physician of St. Petersburg State Medical Institution «Clinical Rheumatology Hospital No. 25 named after Nasonova». «In general, the elderly population is growing, and the average life expectancy of a Russian citizen will reach 80 years in 2050», the expert emphasized. «Petersburgers are leaders among centenarians». If in 1993 the life expectancy of a citizen of St. Petersburg was only six months longer than the Russian average, then in 2024 it was already 6 years. «I am sure that it is largely thanks to our healthcare that the residents of Northern Venice are living longer. And it is precisely this category of patients that we will be dealing with more and more closely, and there will be more and more problems related to old age», Oksana Inamova shared with colleagues.

It would seem that the incidence of osteoporosis in St. Petersburg is definitely growing. But experts are sure: this is not due to an increase in the number of patients, but to an improvement in the diagnostic capabilities of the region. It’s just that osteoporosis has become more common, and at an early stage. The number of densitometers has increased in the city. In 2024 alone, four new devices were purchased, and remote parts of the city, such as Kolpino, have their own densitometer. «The incidence will «grow» because we will diagnose better», Oksana Inamova has no doubt.

At the end of the discussion, the experts deduced the formula for healthy longevity of the musculoskeletal system of modern man. Maintaining a normal body weight, sufficient physical activity, a healthy and nutritious diet, plus adequate vitamin D levels are the key to healthy fat, muscle and bone tissue.

The participants of the conference «Joining Forces: sharing new practices in dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease» discussed ways to prevent cognitive age-related disorders, the search for effective drugs, as well as new methods to combat dementia. The event was held at Expoforum as part of the XVII International Forum «The Senior Generation», organized by the Interregional Public Organization for Social Support and Protection of Citizens «Hesed Abraham Jewish Charitable Center».

Due to the increase in life expectancy, the number of people suffering from acquired dementia is also growing. According to WHO, by 2050, the number of people over the age of 65 will double and reach 2.1 billion people. As early as 2023, there were more than 55 million people suffering from dementia worldwide, and it is projected that by 2050 the number of people with a confirmed diagnosis will reach 139 million.

«With the development of medicine, science and technology, people are living longer, but these same factors also affect the increase in the proportion of the elderly population», said Inna Semikina, Deputy Director of Hesed Abraham Charity Center. «It is expected that the number of dementia patients will continue to increase every year. At the same time, Alzheimer’s disease still cannot be cured: on average, about eight years pass from the moment of diagnosis to the death of a person».

Modern medicine is getting better at treating many diseases, but there are no treatment options for some age-related problems. This is exactly what Alzheimer’s disease is, a disease characterized by the destruction of neurons in the central nervous system. Some mutations cause the disease early enough: the first symptoms may appear as early as 50–55 years. One of the most striking manifestations of the disease is dementia (a violation of the functions of the central nervous system and the brain, leading to imbecility). The disease gradually deprives a person of memory and a sense of identity, destroying the life of the patient and his or her loved ones. How, if not cure, then at least compensate for severe symptoms and make life easier for the patient and his loved ones? These and other issues were discussed by the participants of the conference «Joining Forces: sharing new practices in dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease».

According to Yulia Beltseva, Head of the Department of Geriatric Psychiatry of the Bekhterev National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the use of cognitive methods is best suited to alleviate the condition of patients and prevent the disease: training (improving memory and attention), rehabilitation (adaptation to cognitive deficits) and stimulation (organizing beneficial brain activity).

Digital solutions play an important role in the implementation of these methods: the latest computer programs for training brain functions, special mobile applications, mnemogames, and the use of virtual reality. They usually demonstrate high patient engagement and are well accepted and tolerated by them. Today, technologies are successfully integrated into the natural human environment, increasing safety and security. People with dementia can successfully use mobile devices, tablets, and computers.

The technology, combined with headphones, is able to support the patient’s daily actions, track his or her position in space, and remind him or her, for example, to buy bread or visit a doctor.

«There are more advanced systems that include motion sensors that scan the surrounding space and can help a person get dressed according to the weather or remind them where their belongings are», Yulia Beltseva clarified. «The voice assistant tells you how to get from point A to point B, and continuously fixes the geolocation position».

An important development is the safety button, which helps the medical service or caregiver determine the exact coordinates of the lost person. Mobile devices monitor your health and remind you to take your medications. And pet robots become friends for lonely dementia patients, with whom they can communicate and whom they can take care of.

According to Maria Vasilyeva, a methodologist at the Hesed Abraham Charity Center for Knowledge on Dementia, special methodological material similar to that used as a developmental aid for children can also be successfully applied in adults suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, the «Suitcase for classes with dementia patients», which includes massage balls, memory albums and smart puzzles, has already proven to be a good help for both the prevention and treatment of impaired cognitive functions in the elderly.