Self-Realization of Seniors as a Way of Overcoming Social Exclusion

Abstract

The aging of population is one of the most pressing problems of the modern world. According to statistics the growth rate of the elderly in the world is twice ahead of population growth as a whole, that is why there appear a number of problems which require speedy resolution. These are – the problems of social adaptation and social exclusion, the problems of effective use of the existing potential of older people and creating conditions for their education and productive development. The solution of the above problems requires a more thorough study of this period of ontogenesis, forming a new attitude toward the elderly and their participation in social development at the national level, the creation of programs of psychological support of "positive aging" and the search for new forms of cooperation, involving the elderly to active social life. The results of analysis of psychological and educational literature and the public life in Ukraine show, that the need of the elderly in education and self-realization cannot find opportunities for satisfaction, because the current state policy and society poorly targeted at seniors and avoiding of social exclusion of these people. However, their motivation for continuous learning and development, their pursuit of activities, and the need for social, communicative and cultural ties make a person of this age period to seek new opportunities for selfrealization and avoiding of social exclusion.