Lifelong education as a tool for social integration of the third age people

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of informal education as a strategic factor in the social integration of the elderly in the context of modern demographic and socio-cultural transformations. The relevance of the study is due to the need to find effective mechanisms for supporting active longevity and overcoming social exclusion of the older generation. The aim of the work is to identify and substantiate the impact of educational activity on the psychosocial well-being and level of social inclusion of the elderly. Based on the application of a set of methods (theoretical analysis, questionnaires, statistical data processing), the socio-demographic profile and value orientations of students of the University of the Third Age were investigated. The results of the study showed a stable correlation between the level of previous education and the current readiness for lifelong learning. It was established that the educational space performs a powerful compensatory function: despite objective age-related changes in physical condition, respondents demonstrate a high level of peace of mind (76%) and cheerfulness, which indicates the therapeutic effect of informal learning. Special attention is paid to digital adaptation and communicative revitalisation: a significant expansion of the circle of social connections was recorded in 80% of respondents, which refutes the stereotype of inevitable isolation in later life. It is proven that integration into the educational environment stimulates the realisation of the generative potential of the individual. The priority of the transmission of ethical and humanistic experience to the younger generation indicates the transformation of the social status of the elderly from objects of care to active subjects of social continuity. The practical significance of the results obtained lies in the possibility of their use for the development and improvement of programs of andragogic support and social adaptation of the elderly in communities.

Key words: lifelong learning; third age people; social integration; University of the Third Age; informal education; social activity; resocialisation; digital adaptation; generativity.