“Non-resistance” as a strategy of “successful aging”: the anthropological resource of later life in the light of Leo Tolstoy’s teaching

Relevance. In the context of global population aging and the dominance of utilitarian models of “successful aging” focused on activity and productivity, there is an increasing demand for alternative anthropological interpretations of later life. Leo Tolstoy’s philosophical and ethical doctrine of non-resistance to evil by violence offers a unique resource for rethinking strategies of adaptation to the later stages of life, going beyond the framework of socio-economic determinism.
The purpose of the study is to provide a theoretical justification and substantive interpretation of the concept of “non-resistance” as an anthropological strategy of “successful aging” based on an analysis of Leo Tolstoy’s philosophical texts and journalistic writings of his late period.
Objectives: to analyze the evolution of the concept of "non-resistance" in the late works of Leo Tolstoy; to identify the anthropological resources of later ages (wisdom, spiritual autonomy, acceptance); to develop a model of "successful aging" through the prism of Tolstoy's ethics of non-resistance, humility and service.
Methodology. The methodological framework of the study is based on comparative analysis, which makes it possible to correlate Tolstoy’s ideas with contemporary gerontological approaches. Methods of philosophical hermeneutics are employed for the interpretation of the writer’s texts, along with a constructive-theoretical method for developing a conceptual model.
Results. The study defines the substantive content of “non-resistance” as an existential and ethical practice in the context of aging. Three key aspects of this strategy are identified: inner liberation from social conventions and fear of death; acceptance of age-related changes through the rejection of violent opposition to the natural course of life; and an orientation toward spiritual development and non-violent service. An anthropological model is proposed in which well-being in old age is associated not with external activity, but with the attainment of inner integrity and meaning.
Conclusions. The analysis demonstrates that Leo Tolstoy’s teaching contains significant potential for shaping a new, humanistically oriented paradigm of understanding aging. The concept of “non-resistance” makes it possible to interpret later life not as a period of decline, but as a life stage endowed with unique resources for spiritual selfdetermination and the achievement of existential well-being through acceptance and meaningful service.

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