More than 700 older residents of Nizhny Novgorod joined the annual celebration in honor of the International Day of Older Persons.

      October 8, 2025, 18:04. Society

      On October 8, a ceremonial event dedicated to the International Day of Older Persons was held in Nizhny Novgorod at the Central Palace of Culture of Railway Workers. This year, more than 700 elderly residents of Nizhny Novgorod participated in the celebration — representatives of veterans' communities from all municipal districts of the region.

      According to the regional Ministry of Social Policy, the event was organized jointly with the Nizhny Novgorod Regional House of Veterans. Its goal is to develop conditions for active longevity of the older generation, which is one of the key directions of the new national project "Family."

      The traditional event is held as part of the Decade of Older Persons. This year, from October 1 to 10, more than 250 themed events of various kinds for older adults are planned in the region.

      From the morning, creative, exhibition and consultation areas opened for guests. The creativity area featured exhibitions of works by senior authors; in the master-class zone, guests could learn various applied arts and handicraft techniques under the guidance of experienced mentors. In the consultation area, participants could speak with medical professionals: ask health-related questions and learn about useful practices for a healthy lifestyle and longevity.

      A "Veterans' Drawing Room" also operated on site, where literary readings took place. In addition, activists could visit the "Active Longevity" dance zone and take part in a choreography master class led by members of the creative association "RusLada."

      "It is important for us that older people not only live longer, but also constantly improve their quality of life and keep up with the times. For this purpose, comprehensive work has been organized in Nizhny Novgorod Region across areas such as active and engaging leisure, support for a healthy lifestyle, creative fulfillment and acquiring new knowledge. There are computer and financial literacy programs for retirees, and creative workshops and interest clubs have been opened at 43 social service centers across the region," said Vadim Tsyganov, Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      During the celebration, veterans were congratulated by other honored guests: Elena Baryshnikova, Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights in Nizhny Novgorod Region; Igor Norenkov, Chairman of the Committee of the Legislative Assembly of Nizhny Novgorod Region on Economy, Industry, Support for Entrepreneurship, Trade and Tourism; and Vladimir Tarasov, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Commission of the Duma of Nizhny Novgorod on Social Policy.

      The ceremonial event continued with an awards ceremony for the winners of the competitive project "Best Practices in the Field of Social Services for Older Citizens." The competition is part of the national project "Family," which was launched in the country in 2025 at the instruction of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The contest aims to study, analyze and implement the most effective methods and techniques for improving the quality of life of older people. As a result, 13 winners received honorary diplomas, and some finalists were also awarded cash certificates to implement their social initiatives.

      At the celebration, the merits of 10 "silver" volunteers from Nizhny Novgorod Region, who provided special assistance to participants of the special military operation, were recognized. The awards were presented to the Nizhny Novgorod residents by the head of the regional office of the All-Russian public movement "Volunteers of Victory" and general director of the Volunteer Center of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Maria Samodelkina.

      "For our volunteers, the Day of Older Persons is a special, heartfelt date. It is a day when we can personally thank the generation of winners, home-front workers and all those whose childhood and youth fell on the harsh years of war and the post-war rebuilding of the country. This date embodies respect and reverence for the longevity and wisdom of people who are for us an example of sincere love for the Motherland. We will certainly continue the tradition of honoring the elderly, because the genuine bond between generations is what makes us stronger," she said.

      The event concluded with a festive concert featuring veteran amateur art groups from Nizhny Novgorod Region, Honored Artist of Russia Vladimir Kubasov, the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Volga District of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation, and other performers.

      "This year the Day of Older Persons in Russia is being celebrated for the 35th time, and for the third time we are holding an event dedicated to this holiday in the format of a festival for the older generation. We want to showcase the best that is created and developed in the region thanks to the efforts and talent of our elderly citizens. Each district of Nizhny Novgorod Region demonstrates the achievements of its veterans and practices of working with older people. The Day of Older Persons is an excellent opportunity to express creative activity, as well as to socialize with neighbors and showcase one's talents," said Dmitry Gitelson, director of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional House of Veterans.

      Recall that the national project "Family" is the successor to the previously implemented national projects "Demography" and "Culture." It envisions measures that contribute to the comprehensive development of families: expanding support measures, creating conditions for active longevity of the older generation, and ensuring high-quality and accessible medical care.

      The national project "Family" includes five federal projects: "Large Family," "Family Support," "Protection of Motherhood and Childhood," "Older Generation," and "Family Values and Cultural Infrastructure."

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has a Telegram channel. Subscribe to stay informed about the main events, exclusive materials and timely information. Copyright © 1999–2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials rated 18+.