In 2026, the Russian Red Cross (RRC) is launching new social support projects as part of its comprehensive medical and social program. This initiative aims to expand the RRC Mercy Service and introduce modern forms of support for the elderly and people with disabilities. Projects focused on promoting an active lifestyle among the older generation will be fundamentally new for the RRC, namely the Longevity Rooms and the Healthy Longevity School.
Thus, the RRC’s Longevity Rooms will be established across 41 regional branches of the organization. Seniors over the age of 60 will be able to join a free, comprehensive medical and social support program. As part of this program, specialists will conduct initial health assessments, monitor vital signs, and involve participants in physical activities, age-related disease prevention, and cognitive health maintenance. The defining feature of the Longevity Rooms is a personalized approach. Specialists will work with each participant individually, providing tailored recommendations on which medical experts or social services to consult. The program also includes educational and leisure activities aimed at boosting social engagement and preventing loneliness. In 2026, the project is expected to support at least 9,200 people.
The Healthy Longevity School outlets for seniors will be launched across 62 regional branches. This project focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, and maintaining social activity. Within the Healthy Longevity School, participants will attend group sessions to learn about healthy nutrition, safe physical activity, age-related change prevention, and ways to improve overall well-being. The primary goal of the project is to provide seniors with clear knowledge and practical skills that will help them remain active and independent for as long as possible.
In addition, the implementation of the Family Care School project will continue. In 2026, it aims to train at least 36,000 people across 74 regions of Russia in the basics of caring for loved ones who require outside help.
Key projects aimed at developing a long-term care system and preventive support will also be implemented under the program. A pilot project, the Care Assistant Service, will be launched across 21 regions. This project involves establishing professional home care services and providing free social assistance to the most vulnerable categories of citizens.
All projects are implemented as part of the state program of the Russian Federation “Social Support for Citizens” with the support of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation aimed at promoting active longevity. It is planned that the total reach of medical and social assistance will include at least 53,000 people.
Another key element will be the use of the Russian Red Cross digital platform Zdes Pomogayut (Here they Help), which will streamline access to assistance and ensure rapid interaction between beneficiaries and specialists.
