Russian Pensioners Seek Crypto Pensions: A Surprising Trend
Scores of Russian pensioners are now keen on transforming their old-age finances by requesting pensions paid in cryptocurrency, and many are even taking the plunge into crypto mining during their leisure time. This unprecedented interest was highlighted in a recent report by the Pension and Social Insurance Fund of Russia, which revealed that inquiries about crypto pensions were among the most common requests from pensioners last year.
The Growing Demand for Crypto Pensions
In 2025, the Pension Fund fielded an astonishing 37 million calls from pensioners, indicating a rising interest in alternative payment methods. Recent communications from the fund on their Telegram channel expressed that citizens are increasingly curious about the feasibility of receiving their pensions in cryptocurrencies.
Many pensioners expressed their desire to know if their income from crypto mining would influence their social benefits—reflecting a broader trend in which older generations are looking to adapt their financial strategies to accommodate a changing financial landscape.
Breaking Stereotypes: Older Adults and Crypto
The perception that cryptocurrency is a young person’s domain is fading. More older individuals are embracing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, with some analysts even likening the resilience of older investors to “the Rock of Gibraltar.” This analogy highlights the determination of baby boomers to maintain their cryptocurrency holdings, especially as market fluctuations occur.
Despite restrictions on using crypto as a payment tool in Russia, the burgeoning culture of mining has caught the attention of many older citizens. Interestingly, most people can mine at home without formally registering their activities, although regulations are tightening.
Navigating Legal Hurdles
Russian law continues to impose significant restrictions on cryptocurrency. For instance, recent legislation mandates that any individual who uses more than 6,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month for mining must register with the Federal Tax Service and pay taxes on their earnings. The Pension Fund has clarified to its callers that all pension payments will remain in rubles, and any taxation related to digital assets falls under the Federal Tax Service’s jurisdiction.
Global Trends: Aging and Crypto Adoption
The interest in cryptocurrency isn’t confined to Russia; globally, older communities are also showing increasing adoption rates. South Korea’s incoming president, Lee Jae-myung, has even promised to allow the National Pension Fund to invest in cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, discussions about eventually incorporating crypto into U.S. pension plans are gaining traction among financial providers.
In the United States, a Gallup poll indicated that 12% of men aged 50 and older and 9% of women within the same age group own some form of cryptocurrency. This statistic underscores a shift in demographics away from the common notion that crypto is primarily of interest to younger individuals.
The Ripple Effect in the UK
Across the Atlantic, the Cartwright Pension Trusts in the UK has also made headlines by backing a pension scheme that directly invests in Bitcoin. This particular scheme has reportedly seen a remarkable 56% increase over a year, attributing 3% of its holdings to Bitcoin. This success story may serve as a blueprint for other pension funds exploring the potential of cryptocurrencies.
As the landscape of pension planning continues to evolve, the growing interest from older generations in crypto demonstrates a significant shift in attitudes toward financial independence in retirement. With technology and finance converging, the age of the traditional pension system may be on the brink of transformative change, driven by a new wave of digital currency enthusiasts from all age groups.
