Abstract:

Relevance and problem of research:
A new pension reform has been launched in Russia since 2019. It increases the period of retirement for women from 55 to 60 years, for men – from 60 to 65 years. As a result of this reform in the next 5 years number of the «third age» people, which includes people not only retirement, but also pre-retirement age, will significantly expand. Many of them need to update their educational level. Part of the «third age» people need in obtaining a new education. Another part wants to learn to get a new profession or a significant improvement of existing skills. In these conditions, it becomes relevant to study the attitude of the «third age» Russians to continue their education.
The purpose of the article is to analyze the real educational needs of the «third age» Russians and their readiness or unwillingness to continue their education in the conditions of the new pension reform.

The research methodology was based on the theories of studying the interests, needs, expectations of older people related to continuing education. Theories of «silver», additional and non-formal education were of great importance.

The empirical base includes:
1) sociological survey of people aged 45 years and older conducted in the Sverdlovsk region in January-March 2019 (quota sample, n=415 people, the sample covered residents of megalopolis, large, medium and small cities, towns and rural settlements);
2) analysis of the documents (regulations, state programs, national projects);
3) analysis of statistical data (demographic and educational data).

The results of the study showed a significant scatter of positions of the «third age» people in their attitude to education. The range of respondents opinions fluctuate in boundaries from the full readiness and desire to continue and change their education for a new profession to the categorical renouncement of any changes in their education. The study allowed us to receive an important theoretical result – a typology of orientations of the «third age» Russians regarding the continuation of their education in the conditions of new pension reform. The obtained data of sociological research are also of practical importance and can be used in the management of pension reform in the conditions of economic and social uncertainty of Russian society.

Conclusions:
In connection with the new pension reform, the state policy in Russia should take into account the diverse needs of "silver age" people in updating their educational level. For this purpose, it is necessary to analyze the real educational needs of older people and their readiness to continue their education. Special attention should be paid to the establishment of «silver» universities and educational institutions of secondary vocational education.

Keywords:

Education, people of the «third age», new pension reform.