Foreign Language E-Learning Course as an Element of City Infrastructure for Cognitive Enhancement for the Third Age People

Abstract

The article deals with the issues of ageing population and improving the quality of life of older (third age) people, in particular active pensioners. The ageing policy in Russia is described, the problem of a contradiction between a significant increase in life expectancy and social prejudices that prevent older people from achieving a higher quality of life is observed. An e-learning course in a foreign language is viewed as a means of improving well-being environment for active agers. The project “English for Active Third Agers” is described in terms of its aim, objectives, and methodology. It facilitates the promotion of education importance throughout entire life (life-long learning), popularizes foreign language learning, and improves the quality of life for third agers. The course content is structured, and analysis of the course main elements is performed. The paper gives an overview of Moscow and the Moscow region experience on actual practices of social activity and involvement of the third age people in the educational process. The authors focus on the network nature of the project and attract to the project implementation resources of various cities: Tomsk, Moscow, Kaliningrad. The results can be used as a science-based social program for the third age people.