Dzhuhan R. Social aspects of the realization of the needs of the elderly people in modern Ukrainian society (on the example of the Transcarpathian region).

Dissertation is dedicated to the conceptual model of elderly people needs realization as the key factor of this group social well being formation. Comparative analysis of the main approaches to the study of old age in the social sciences and humanities and sociology in particular is elaborated. Theoretical approaches of sociological science to the content of "needs", typologies of needs and their classifications are systematized, the concept of "needs of elderly people" is explained. The scientific traditions of the interpretation and usage of "successful aging" concept in social and humanitarian sciences with special attention to socio-demographic and socio-cultural aspects of this phenomenon are considered. The most common social practices of activating the elderly people activity within the system of social care are described. Ways to meet the needs of elderly people through formal and informal support networks are outlined, taking into account the impact of these networks on changing the "paradigm" of society's perception of old age and overcoming discrimination against elderly people. A system of empirical indicators of socio-demographic and socio-cultural aspects of successful aging in terms of meeting the needs of the elderly people is tested. The results of the research on the opinion of elderly people and members of their families on the existing needs and conditions to satisfy them in Transcarpathian region are presented.