Abstract:

The study of successful educational strategies of the «third age» people is necessary to replicate the models of their effective inclusion in the system of continuing education. In Russia, the integration of older people into «silver» education is slow, with great difficulties. Therefore, to study successful educational strategies, the author of the article conducted a qualitative study. The aim of the article is to identify and describe individual cases and show the conditions for the successful inclusion of older people in «silver» education.

The empirical basis of the article is the data of a sociological study conducted in April – June 2020 in one of the regions of Russia – the Sverdlovsk region. In this region, various practices of «silver» education are actively developing, within which individual cases of successful educational strategies are formed. The author of the article used the method of biographical interviews with 4 representatives of the group of the «third age» people. Accordingly, the article presents 4 cases of successful educational strategies implemented by them. Three cases are dedicated to studying at universities. One case is dedicated to College education (secondary vocational education).

Results:
1. Summarizing the interview materials revealed the core of successful educational strategies of older people – a strong motivation to learn. Usually, Russians become less motivated to learn as they get older. Its preservation allowed our informants to overcome psychological and organizational barriers and successfully master educational programs.
2. The study showed a close relationship between the work and social activity of older people and their desire to successfully complete their studies at University and College. In all cases, the purpose of training was associated with the acquisition of important resources for continuing labor, professional, social and political activity.
3. A strong influence of the family support on the successful educational strategies of older people was revealed. The interview showed that the family provided a resource of time for the elderly person (freeing him from part of the family responsibilities), money (if they were required to pay for training), intellectual resources (relatives helped to master new, difficult material, to do homework). The main resource for successful training was the psychological support of relatives – their encouragement (praise) of an elderly person in his desire to continue education.

Thus, in 4 cases, typical conditions for the successful implementation of educational strategies of «third age» Russians were reflected. Among them is a strong motivation to study, involvement in various types of social activity and unconditional support for the family. These conditions for encouraging of the «third age» people to continue their education should be taken into account in the state policy towards this group of Russians.

Keywords:

«third age» people, educational strategies, «silver» education, professional, labor and social activity of older people.