On December 1, the "Silver Age" lecture series, organized by the N.A. Nekrasov Library in collaboration with the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE), concluded. The final event was an open lecture titled "Communicating with an Elderly Person. How?" by clinical psychologist and medical psychologist at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Emergency Medicine, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Developmental Neuro- and Pathopsychology at the Faculty of Clinical and Special Psychology of MSUPE, Marina Vitalyevna Kalantarova.
In her presentation, the lecturer proposed viewing later life as a distinct stage of the life path, associated not so much with accumulating new experience as with reassessing, comprehending, and passing it on. The discussion covered the developmental tasks of older age, the role of mentorship and life review, and the phenomenon of stigmatization of the elderly in a rapidly changing world where previous knowledge quickly becomes obsolete, and the value of life wisdom is often underestimated.
A separate section of the lecture was dedicated to the phenomenon of the "grandmother institute" in the animal kingdom and human society, the psychology of wisdom, and the specifics of cognitive processes in older age. Marina Vitalyevna demonstrated that cognitive changes in old age are not just about losses but also about different ways of processing information and the ability to make original decisions based on life experience and intuition. Participants learned which features of memory, attention, and perception are important to consider when making a request, giving a recommendation, or seeking advice from an older person.
Marina Vitalyevna emphasized that an older person is not a sum of age-related changes but a bearer of a unique life history. The quality of intergenerational dialogue largely depends on whether we notice this history and engage with it in communication.
The practical part of the lecture provided specific recommendations for communicating with the elderly. It covered how to speak to be understood without devaluing the interlocutor: structuring statements step-by-step and concisely, avoiding slang and cultural references unfamiliar to the older generation, addressing the person rather than their deficits, showing interest in their opinion, allowing space for emotions, and simultaneously supporting their sense of dignity and active longevity.
Questions from the audience varied widely. Participants were interested, for instance, whether it is necessary to "separate" from older generations or if, conversely, close ties with them can support the development of all generations; what lies behind the "originality" of older people's decisions; whether individuals engaged in intellectual work retain greater cognitive flexibility in later life; and how to communicate with elderly individuals with severe cognitive impairments without becoming irritated. Questions also touched on the boundaries of the natural and the "divinely ordained" in longevity and health, the impact of artificial intelligence on cognitive abilities, and whether a reproductive period lasting into old age, as in some animals, is possible. Some participants addressed questions to the lecturer individually after the event.
The atmosphere of the lecture can be described as a combination of a warm, supportive environment and a clear demand for practical knowledge: attendees followed the presentation attentively and took notes of key points. A significant portion of the audience stayed after the main part to ask additional questions and discuss what they had heard with each other.
Many attendees were seeking specific recommendations for communicating with elderly relatives. The lecture was also attended by representatives of the "third age" interested in better understanding the changes they are experiencing and reducing anxiety about observed age-related symptoms. A separate group consisted of professionals working with the elderly (including creative workshop instructors) aiming to enhance their professional competence in interacting with older age groups.
The response to the lecture was overwhelmingly positive. In their comments, listeners noted Marina Vitalyevna's respectful and caring attitude towards the elderly, her vivid and accessible language, and the "non-tragic" perspective on later life, which helps reduce anxiety about one's own condition. Special gratitude was expressed for the concrete, applicable advice that participants intend to integrate into communication with their relatives. Many emphasized their desire to attend future lectures by M.V. Kalantarova.
The lecture was part of the "Silver Age" series dedicated to the psychological aspects of the later stages of life. Earlier in the series, an open lecture by psychophysiologist Vera Dmitrievna Tretyakova, "Age-Related Brain Changes. What Can Influence This Process?" (October 31), and a lecture by clinical psychologist Irina Fyodorovna Roshchina, "A Psychologist's View on Later Life. What and How Changes in the Psyche?" (November 11), were held.
The "Silver Age" lecture series is a platform for open conversation about age and longevity.
Course coordinator: Anna Alexandrovna Shvedovskaya (MSUPE).
The recordings of the "Silver Age" lecture series will be available approximately in December 2025 on the social media channels and website of the Nekrasov Library.