Published on: 2026-09-29
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
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The first union rally of senior citizens “We are for active longevity” was held in Vitebsk. Delegations from nine regions of Russia and seven regions of Belarus took part. The Russian capital was represented at the meeting by activists of the project “Moscow Longevity“.
Fair, workshops, and concerts
The rally opened with a ceremonial procession. Participants dressed in outfits featuring elements of traditional costumes and carrying flags marched through the city’s central streets accompanied by an orchestra. They headed to the square by the “Vitebsk” concert hall, where two zones began operating — Russian and Belarusian. In colorful tents and on the stage, creative groups performed, and there were also art, sports, and culinary workshops.
An art installation called “The Tree” — a symbol of unity between the two states — was installed in the Russian tent. It was decorated in the colors of the Russian and Belarusian flags, with a stylized birch grove as the backdrop. The common theme for the delegations was the slogan “Russia — the energy of longevity.”
The capital delegation presented the brand “Made in ‘Moscow Longevity’.” Eleven craftswomen from the masters’ club prepared 170 works for the exhibition-fair. At the stands, one could find knitted toys, jointed dolls, embroidery, handmade jewelry, leather goods, and various souvenirs.
Creative groups performed on stage. Alexander Kirillin, the head of the Moscow Association of Longevity Clubs, the leader of the dance direction, and one of the most active participants of “Moscow Longevity,” conducted classes on Russian dance and a transition quadrille. In addition, his team prepared a concert program.
Fashion shows and joint performances
Fashion shows of delegations from various regions took place on the outdoor stage. Participants of “Moscow Longevity” presented looks from the “Lights of Moscow” and “Pride of Russia” collections, developed by the “Designers’ Workshop.” Julia Treivas, head of the “Royal Posture” school, held a lesson on the art of catwalk.
Participants organized master classes on painting Tula gingerbread, toys and matryoshkas, weaving Yelets and Mikhailov lace, sewing tubeteikas, weaving birch bark, creating jewelry and candles.
The gathering also featured a parade of practices in the field of active longevity. Alexander Kirillin shared how participating in the project helped him recover after a long treatment, and also allowed him to demonstrate himself as a leader and mentor.
At the plenary session of the rally, the vocal-instrumental ensemble of “Moscow Longevity” performed the song “Authors of Life.” Then the musicians, together with vocalist Alexander Zorin, presented the number “Two Sisters, Belarus and Russia.” Their performance was supported by dancers from Belarus.
In the concert hall lobby, there was a photo exhibition dedicated to the vibrant everyday life and heroes of the “Moscow Longevity” project.
Moscow Active Longevity System
On the second day of the forum, sessions dedicated to the practical aspects of social institutions’ work with older citizens took place on interactive platforms. Experts spoke about adapting the social service system to demographic changes, the accessibility of social services in remote areas, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle and physical activity among older adults.
Head of the Longevity Strategy and Special Projects Department of the Moscow City Department of Labor and Social Protection Levon Avsharyan spoke at the thematic platform of the social nursing home “Happy Longevity.” He talked about the opportunities the “Moscow Longevity” project provides to the residents of the capital. The increase in life expectancy is transforming the economy, culture, urban environment, and people’s attitudes towards age itself. The result of the city’s comprehensive work is the Moscow model of longevity. It includes a comfortable environment, accessible healthcare, developed infrastructure, as well as cultural and sports events, education, and social services that influence the quality and duration of active life.
At the end of the second day of the forum, there was a musical evening prepared by the ensembles of two countries. Guests were able to dance to their favorite songs from their youth, as well as watch a fire show performed by Vitebsk artists.
Development of “silver” volunteering
At the final day of the three-day program, the results of the gathering were summed up. The Deputy Head of the Moscow Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population Vladimir Filippov he spoke about the importance of professional dialogue and the exchange of practices. He noted the reports of participants on programs for interdepartmental cooperation and “silver” volunteering, prevention of cognitive changes, as well as the opportunities and features of the development of gerontological services.
“In our opinion, special attention should be paid to Belarusian practices, where workshops, mini-productions, creative, sewing, carpentry, culinary, and craft laboratories are opened on the basis of social institutions. And the people who receive assistance in these institutions also act as organizers and mentors, which forms the foundation for a social economy that we also keep in view in the regions of Russia. This is exactly the approach to preserving subjectivity, to obtaining additional financial support. The Belarusian experience shows that institutions for the older generation can become not only places of care but also platforms for labor, creative, and even entrepreneurial self-organization,” emphasized Vladimir Filippov.
The gathering concluded with a large joint concert featuring participants from all delegations. The vocal-instrumental ensemble of the “Moscow Longevity” also performed for the guests, and the project’s creative team prepared a number with elements of Belarusian folk dance.
You can join the “Moscow Longevity” project online at the portal mos.ru or on the website after55.moscow, as well as in person at any of more than 140 Moscow Longevity Centers or in the offices of “My documents». Even more news about the lives of the project participants — in the official messenger channels “Max” and “Telegram”.
Support for elderly city residents in Moscow aligns with the goals and objectives of the federal project “Older Generation” of the national project “Family”. More details about Russia’s national projects and the capital’s contribution can be found at special page.
To find out how the capital has changed over the past years, which initiatives aimed at making city life even more comfortable are currently being implemented, and what awaits Moscow and its residents in the near future, one can explore a large-scale special project on the mos.ru portal, dedicated to the development of key areas of Moscow. These include transport, industry, healthcare, education, sports, and construction.
On the project’s page “Social support and employment of the population” you can learn about opportunities for city residents in need of support. The capital provides comprehensive assistance to families facing difficult life situations, as well as to people with disabilities and participants in the special military operation. Regular exercise sessions and yoga classes, lectures, and other events are held at the Moscow longevity centers. In addition, retraining and obtaining a new in-demand profession is possible through the city’s employment service.
Quickly get the main news on the official channels of the city of Moscow in messengers “Max” and “Telegram”.
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