This article offers an analysis of the work of the Third Age Universities in Germany and Russia, in particular, the content aspect of their educational programs. The aim of this social institution is to improve the life quality of the elderly. The article identifies the problems that arose due to outdated approaches to solving this issue. In Russia these problems are the interdepartmental disunity of institutions, insufficient awareness of the training possibilities for third-aged people, absence of professional direction in education and insufficient consideration of the elderly peculiarities when drawing up educational programs. Wellplanned content of education at the Third Age University solves an important social task, helping the elderly to navigate in modern life, adequately respond to changes taking place in society and meet the needs for communication, exchange of experience and self-realization. The result of this work presented is the elaboration of a measure system to develop the content aspect of the U3A in Russia that takes into account the needs and interests of the elderly, the needs of society and the experience of a U3A in Germany.
Background. The primary task for the authors of the article is the issue of considering the variability and ways of social adaptation of elder people, their activity and sufficient communication. Tourism is the most effective mean combining all conditions above.
Purpose. To consider and characterize the “concept of learning tourism”. Objectives: to identify institutions that provide touristic services to the elderly; identify the main themes of the third age tourism; to determine the types of educational tourism; to formulate trends in the development of tourism for elder people.
Research materials and methods: comparative analysis, which provided an opportunity to compare and summarize information about the organizational forms of educational tourism for elder people. The method of translation, interpretation and analysis of scientific works, documentary sources, Internet materials allowed us to draw reasonable conclusions. Data synthesis and analogy methods were applied to systematize information and identify patterns and distinctive features of “educational tourism” for the elderly.
Results. The article gives a qualitative description of “educational tourism”: this concept is considered; the basic needs and preferences of older people in tourism services are identified; types of educational tourism and its thematic directions are defined; prospects for the development of tourism for the elderly are noted. The article summarizes the concept of “educational tourism” in relation to Russian reality and outlines the main trends in the development of this direction.
Practical implications. The obtained results can be applied in the field of educational tourism in Russia; in the development and implementation of touristic programs, taking into account the specific features of Russia; the materials under research are applicable for teaching students at colleges and universities.