Taking care of pensioners who are his bedrock of support has been a key feature of President Vladimir Putin's rule, but as the country's economy shrinks, the Russian government is considering an idea that has been taboo for 80 years: raising the retirement age.

Since 1932, Russian men have been eligible to retire at age 60 and women at age 55. In numerous professions, especially hazardous ones like mining, people may retire even earlier.

But the budget has come under strain as people have started to live longer. Russian women now have a life expectancy of 76 and men 65.