LANGUAGE AS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL INTEGRATION: THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN ACTIVE AGEING
LANGUAGE AS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL INTEGRATION: THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN ACTIVE AGEING

Summary/Abstract: Language education plays a pivotal role in the process of active ageing, serving as an effective tool for social integration and a means of counteracting social exclusion of older adults. Foreign language learning not only stimulates cognitive engagement but also strengthens seniors' social capital by fostering interpersonal relationships, promoting self-development, and enabling meaningful participation in community life. The aim of this study is to explore older adults' experiences of language learning – particularly English – in non-formal settings, focusing on how participation in language courses influences their social inclusion, development of interpersonal relationships, and active engagement in society. Data were collected through focus group interviews with 25 older adults attending English language courses at Universities of the Third Age in Kielce and Warsaw. The study employed reflexive thematic analysis to investigate participants' motivations, experiences, and perceptions of language learning in later life. The findings reveal that older learners are primarily motivated by the desire for social interaction, meaningful leisure, and self-expression. Language learning is perceived as a socially enriching experience that enhances confidence, reduces isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging within peer groups. A classroom is described not only as a place of learning but as a safe social space that supports emotional well-being and community engagement. In the context of demographic change and ongoing age-related social challenges, language education emerges as a powerful instrument for promoting social participation, relational well-being, and psychological resilience among older adults. These findings underscore the importance of recognising the social dimensions of later-life language learning as integral to holistic approaches to active ageing.

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