In Russia, they want to raise the age limit for youth to 40 years: why is this necessary?

      On July 21, 2026, at 14:48 Society In Russia, the age limits for youth are being discussed again. Academician Gennady Onishchenko proposed raising the upper limit of youth age from 35 to 40 years. He justified this by stating that in the modern world, people maintain their work capacity, mental and physical activity for longer. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko supported the initiative, but Federation Council Chair Valentina Matviyenko believes that 35 years is the optimal age for youth.

      Media often reports that the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the youth age as ranging from 18 to 45 years. Indeed, the organization is discussing age limits, taking into account trends towards increased life expectancy. However, WHO representatives noted that no official document with such changes has been adopted.

      In WHO classifications, categories of youth, middle-aged, and elderly people are traditionally distinguished. However, as cardiologist Denis Prokofyev clarified in a conversation with 360.ru, this gradation has little practical significance. Age categories do not take individual characteristics into account: some people develop chronic diseases from birth, while others do so during their lifetime.

      Prokofyev also points out that cardiovascular diseases are "younger." Today, it is not uncommon for heart attacks or strokes to occur in people under 30. This is related to the fact that many risk factors, such as excess weight, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, as well as heredity, accumulate and increase the likelihood of diseases regardless of age.

      At the same time, the age of 40 is an important milestone when the risk of diseases increases, so it is important to monitor health and seek medical attention in a timely manner.

      According to the expert, raising the age threshold for youth may be related not only to the development of medicine but also to demographic problems. This allows for the redistribution of social support measures and directs them to a broader age group.

      Clinical psychologist Anton Korovin believes that changing age boundaries can affect people's self-perception. For those who feel older at 30-40 years, recognizing youth up to 40 can become a source of motivation for change. However, there are also possible negative consequences: if a person lives like a student until 40, not taking on responsibility, this may lead to emotional infantilism. At 42, they may realize that they have missed the time and are emotionally unprepared for adult life.

      Blurred boundaries of youth can cause anxiety and stress due to the lack of clear guidelines for maturation. Age categories are important for psychological well-being, helping people feel more confident and motivating them for change.

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