Delayed Aging and Late Adulthood: Analysis of the Dynamics of Academic Publications Using Thematic Mapping Method

Abstract

This paper presents a scientometric analysis of publications on active aging / longevity, delayed aging, health of the elderly, etc. The purpose of this work is to update research methods for studying the multifactorial and non-linear nature of aging and to identify the relationship between the topics of academic publications and those announced in the official agenda of the Madrid International Plan for Active Aging and the Active Aging Index. The adoption of the concept of active aging through the Madrid International Plan and subsequent national active aging / longevity plans in a number of countries has provided an important normative reference point for later life. This was not only a political and neo-liberal action for longer employment of the elderly, but also had an important impact on changing the macro- and micro-­social climate of aging, and elderly’s understanding of the life strategy, age, and themselves. In 2016, Russia adopted the 'Strategy of Action for the Interests of Senior Citizens in the Russian Federation until 2025' and later the Active Longevity Index. (ALI). This paper analyzes the scientific publications on the topics of active / delayed aging and late adulthood in relation to ALI parameters. The results of the thematic mapping of academic publications from the Scopus and eLibrary databases characterizing the topic of aging for the period 2012–2022 are presented. Existing publications cover domestic and foreign experience in research on aging and the elderly. The study shows that the field is dominated by topics related to the development of indicators for active aging, productive aging, human capital, and health care or the use of health services assessment. The paper notes a trend towards medicalization in the study of aging issues and a focus on methods for analyzing large amounts of data.