IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN OLD AGE IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMICAL MIGRATION OF ADULT CHILDREN

Economical migration of adult Poles often leads to all families going abroad or to mixed marriages that live with children in another country. Such situations generate loneliness and isolation among older people, as well as limited contact with grandchildren due to both, physical distance and often language barrier which is a natural consequence of being born and raised abroad. Polish seniors who want to maintain relationships with their loved ones face the challenge of overcoming language barrier and learning to communicate using modern technologies (for example, Skype).

The main objective is to present the role of different forms of education addressed to seniors in overcoming barriers in international, inter-generational (remote) relationships, and to describe the ways seniors participate in socialization and acculturation of their grandchildren growing up in another country.

The method used is a multi-case study (Stake, 2009) with an in-depth interview.

Research results imply that educational activity of seniors results in overcoming communication barriers in relations with grandchildren living abroad. It also improves the quality of life, protects from loneliness and prevents social isolation