Introduction. In connection with the aging of the population, there is a need to reassess the importance and necessity of the participation of older people in society and, as a consequence, reassess the methods of their adaptation. Based on an analysis of modern domestic and international research, the experience of adaptation of the third age’ people in ‘silver-age universities’ was studied. The analysis showed that the experience of big organizations with a long history was mainly described. And the regional experience of elderly’ adaptation has not been studied sufficiently. The purpose of the study is to experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of using regional “third-age” universities to train old people and the impact of such training on adaptation and life satisfaction in the third age. Methods. The experiment took place on the basis of the Penza branch of the Russian Foundation for Mercy and Health with the support of the regional branch of the Union of Pensioners of Russia. The experiment involved 33 people, including 24 women, 9 men. The average age of the subjects was 69 years. To determine the level of adaptation and life satisfaction of the subjects, theoretical and empirical methods were used (Somatic Adaptation Rating Scale; questionnaire “Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age” (LSITA-SF), free interview method “My subjective feeling of satisfaction life”). Research results. Diagnostics among participants in the experimental educational programme ‘Silver-age University’ before and after its 10-month implementation showed significant positive changes, including increased somatic adaptation and life satisfaction in older age. This confirms the effectiveness of 'Silver-Age Universities' for older people as a basis for implementing educational programmes. Conclusion. The successful organization of silver-age universities training could prevent mental and physical health problems, as well as social isolation. It is important to provide special geriatric training for staff who will be working with older people.
Introduction. In connection with the aging of the population, there is a need to reassess the importance and necessity of the participation of older people in society and, as a consequence, reassess the methods of their adaptation. Based on an analysis of modern domestic and international research, the experience of adaptation of the third age’ people in ‘silver-age universities’ was studied. The analysis showed that the experience of big organizations with a long history was mainly described. And the regional experience of elderly’ adaptation has not been studied sufficiently. The purpose of the study is to experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of using regional “third-age” universities to train old people and the impact of such training on adaptation and life satisfaction in the third age. Methods. The experiment took place on the basis of the Penza branch of the Russian Foundation for Mercy and Health with the support of the regional branch of the Union of Pensioners of Russia. The experiment involved 33 people, including 24 women, 9 men. The average age of the subjects was 69 years. To determine the level of adaptation and life satisfaction of the subjects, theoretical and empirical methods were used (Somatic Adaptation Rating Scale; questionnaire “Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age” (LSITA-SF), free interview method “My subjective feeling of satisfaction life”). Research results. Diagnostics among participants in the experimental educational programme ‘Silver-age University’ before and after its 10-month implementation showed significant positive changes, including increased somatic adaptation and life satisfaction in older age. This confirms the effectiveness of 'Silver-Age Universities' for older people as a basis for implementing educational programmes. Conclusion. The successful organization of silver-age universities training could prevent mental and physical health problems, as well as social isolation. It is important to provide special geriatric training for staff who will be working with older people.