RuNews24.ru discussed this idea with Yakov Yakubovich, an expert at the Institute of Fundamental Problems of Socio-Humanitarian Sciences of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, who shared an analysis of the legislative framework and the reasons for the possible change.
Resolution 489-FZ, adopted in 2020, set the limits of youth at 35 years old, but with the possibility of variation at the level of regions and depending on individual norms. This is an allowance to provide for a higher age limit if necessary. However, as the expert notes, the need to set the limit to 40 is not yet obvious.
Some proponents of revising the age limit consider the growth of life expectancy as the main argument. But according to Rosstat data, life expectancy after 2020 has increased insignificantly and has not even returned to the pre-Kovidian level of 2019. Therefore, it is questionable to use this argument to justify the age change.
Another important argument is the attainment of age 35 as a barrier to social benefits, such as housing benefits.
“Such barriers alone do not solve the problems of affordability and neediness, as such issues will be relevant again in the future when the age of 40 is reached.”
The psychological aspect, the fact that many in their 35s and 40s feel young, is also mentioned in discussions. However, Jakubowicz reminds us that regulations should not be based on emotional or subjective variables.
The possibility to modify individual support measures through regional or sectoral legislation remains real according to Article 6.3 of the 489-FZ. However, the issue of financing such initiatives remains unresolved. The development of legislative initiatives regarding the student family and related support measures is expected to be based on the national projects “Youth and Children” and “Family”. However, they require clear criteria and performance targets, which have not yet been defined.
The analysis of Yakubovich's expert shows that the current system of legislative and social measures already has mechanisms to support young people in the light of changing socio-economic conditions. Thus, radical age changes will probably not take place without the establishment of a clearer and more sustainable financial and regulatory framework.