What are the prospects for online courses aimed at older adults?

Contents:

• How many students aged 45+, 50+, 60+, etc. are in online schools?
• Can an older audience be solvent?
• Do the digital skills of the older generation allow them to study online?
• Prospects for online courses for an older audience
• What else is important to consider when launching courses for seniors?

How Many Students in Online Schools Are 45+, 50+, 60+, and So on

Only 10% of Skillbox students are 45 years and older. These students are actively learning new skills and improving their qualifications, which underscores the importance of lifelong learning in today's world. Given the rapidly changing conditions in the labor market, training in adulthood is becoming increasingly relevant.

• 45-49 years old - 5.5%;
• 50-54 - 2.8%;
• 55-59 - 1.1%;
• 60-64 - 0.4%;
• 65-69 - 0.1%;
• 70+ - 0.1%.

In each of these groups, programming was the most in-demand area, which indicates an interest in training in the field of information technology among the older age category. After programming, management, design and marketing come in the list of popular areas, but their positions vary depending on the age segments. This diversity of preferences highlights the importance of tailoring educational programs to the needs of different age groups, which can facilitate more effective learning and career advancement in today's environment.

The educational platform Netology was unable to accurately determine the proportion of students over 45, but noted that their number is steadily increasing. Among this age group, the most popular areas are wellness and teaching, chosen by 17.9% of students. IT courses are second in popularity, attracting 14.7% of students over 45. This indicates a growing interest in independent learning and professional development among a more mature audience.

Skillfactory noted that in 2020, the percentage of students over 45 reached a record high of 8%. However, since then, this figure has tended to decline. This may indicate changing interests and preferences among older people, as well as the fact that younger generations are becoming more active participants in educational programs. Analyzing these changes, we can assume that the age group over 45 is looking for new educational opportunities, but their share in the total number of students is gradually decreasing.

• in 2021 - 7.8% of the total number of students;
• in 2022 - 7.8%;
• in 2023 - 4.7%;
• in 2024 - 4%.

According to Skillfactory statistics, older students most often choose programs in the field of Data Science. From 2020 to 2023, their share is 9.7% of the total number of students studying in this field. In addition, courses in software development, administration and testing are popular. In particular, the "System Administrator" course attracts 10.4% of students over 45. At the same time, interest in design programs among older students is significantly lower: they account for only 3.9% of the total number of students studying in this field during the specified period. This demonstrates a trend toward more mature students preferring technical and analytical fields of study.

In Skillfactory's master's programs, students aged 46–55 make up 8% of the total number of students. In some cases, people over 56 are also enrolled in these programs. According to a study of the socio-demographic profile of students in the HSE Online master's program, there are also people under 59 among the students, but their share is small. Analysts do not provide exact figures, only highlighting the general category of "over 30."

The Smart Ranking agency analyzed the social and demographic characteristics of the audiences of EdTech platforms such as Skillbox, Skillfactory, Yandex Praktikum, Elbrus Bootcamp, SF Education, TutorPlace, and City Business School. The study's findings showed that, on average, 8% of students on these platforms are over 50 years old. This indicates a growing interest in online education among a more mature audience, which opens up new opportunities for educational institutions to develop courses adapted to the needs of this age group.

Evgeniya Shmeleva, a research fellow at the Center for the Sociology of Higher Education at the HSE Institute of Education, points to the low interest of the older generation in learning professional skills. According to the HSE "Readiness for Change" monitoring for 2023, only 5% of Russians over 65 are willing to improve their qualifications to increase their family income, while only 8% of them are interested in obtaining an education in a new specialty. For those aged 45–54, these figures are 17% and 11%, respectively. The study also notes that among Russians over 65, only 15% are willing to undergo retraining if they lose their job and need to find a new specialty, while in the 45–54 age group, this figure is twice as high. These data highlight the need to develop programs aimed at increasing interest in training and professional development among the older generation.

Reading is an important aspect of personal and professional development. It helps to broaden horizons, improve communication skills and enhance the overall level of education. Regularly reading books, articles and other materials helps to gain new knowledge and ideas, which is critically important in today's rapidly changing world. Reading also develops critical thinking and analytical skills, allowing you to better understand the world around you. Don't forget the importance of choosing quality content that will not only be interesting but also beneficial for your growth. Retirement is a wonderful time for self-improvement and learning. A 69-year-old student who decided to dedicate herself to the art of illustration exemplifies this. Her story inspires people of all ages to pursue new hobbies and develop their talents. Studying in adulthood opens new horizons, allows you to develop your creative abilities and gain new knowledge. This woman is proof that it's never too late to change your life and master a new profession. Learning at retirement age not only enriches personal experience but also promotes social activity and interaction with others.

Can an older audience be solvent?

Experts at Skillbox Media, representing the EdTech sector, note that the older generation in Russia has the financial means to pay for education. Although income in the country often depends on age rather than qualifications, the situation varies depending on the professional field. Alexey Dvoretsky, head of the R&D team and program director of the Higher Education program at the Skillfactory IT Professions School, emphasizes that in fields such as medicine and science, the opposite trend is observed: with the accumulation of experience and an increase in competence, salaries increase. Thus, the older generation can not only continue their education but also successfully realize their career ambitions in the professional field.

According to Skillfactory's internal data, obtained through a student survey, 34% of students over 45 earn between 50,000 and 100,000 rubles per month, and 18% earn more than 100,000 rubles. This suggests a high solvency for this age group.

Natalia Vlodavskaya, Head of Customer Experience at Skillbox, emphasizes that at 50–60 years of age, Russians continue to actively work and often strive to develop missing skills. Although examples of professional retraining at this age are less common, they do exist. Many choose more relaxed professions or the opportunity to work from home. Furthermore, some people strive to realize long-held dreams. A striking example is Nina Osmolovskaya, a former oncological surgeon, who, at 69, returned to her hobby – drawing. She began studying sketching and commercial illustration, demonstrating that it's never too late to follow your passions and master new professions. Natalia notes that non-working retirees face low incomes and limited access to credit. However, they typically don't require lengthy and expensive training. Many people believe that taking individual courses on a chosen topic or hobby is enough to satisfy their interests. Such courses can be funded through pension savings or as a gift. Working retirees are generally able to afford such expenses. A 2023 survey by Netology showed that among Russians aged 45 to 64, more than 9% are willing to invest up to 50,000 rubles per year in education. However, 21% of respondents can allocate no more than 5,000 rubles, and 25% up to 10,000 rubles. The primary motivation for online learning was a desire to increase income, noted by 28% of course participants. This data highlights the growing interest in educational programs and the importance of continuing education to improve one's financial situation. Many older adults are actively seeking to improve their financial situation, unafraid of mastering new professions. They are increasingly choosing online learning, confirming their interest in continuous development. This opinion was expressed by Tatyana Smirnova, former head of the educational product at Netology. In today's world, when access to knowledge has become easier thanks to internet technologies, adults are confidently taking steps toward new opportunities, confirming their desire to remain competitive in the labor market. According to Skillfactory statistics, 35.5% of older students choose programs to gain a new profession, while 19.2% focus their efforts on upgrading their skills. These data highlight the growing interest in training and professional development among older people, indicating a desire for new opportunities in the labor market.

Another 16.6% of respondents noted that their motivation is the desire for self-realization. 7.4% indicated the need to systematize their knowledge and skills, and 2% expressed a desire to move to a management position. These data highlight the importance of professional development and career advancement for many professionals.

Do the digital skills of the older generation allow them to study online?

Online education can become popular among people over 50 and 60 years old not only because of their interest in learning and financial capabilities, but also because of their comfort with the digital environment. An important factor is the level of skills in working with internet resources. Expert opinions on this issue vary. Some believe that older people are ready to master the online format if it is accessible and understandable. Others draw attention to the need for support and training for this age group to overcome barriers in mastering technology. Therefore, to successfully implement online education among the older generation, it is important to consider both interest in learning and the level of digital literacy.

Natalia Vlodavskaya emphasizes that people aged 50 and 60 have experienced a period of active technological development. These are no longer people who don't know how to use a computer or smartphone. They are capable of mastering online learning and often have more opportunities to do so than the younger generation. Many of them actively use modern technology to gain knowledge and skills, opening up new horizons for professional and personal growth.

Older people have the same internet skills as younger people and are able to process large volumes of information without succumbing to clip-based thinking. They often have more free time, as they lack the responsibilities of caring for small children and the pressures of a career. This allows them to study with greater attention and enjoyment, making them active participants in the educational process in the digital space.

Anastasia Kapuza, a research fellow at the International Laboratory for the Evaluation of Practices and Innovations in Education at the HSE Institute of Education, emphasizes that the Odnoklassniki website gained popularity among users over 40 about ten years ago. This indicates that we are in an era when older people, especially those over 60, are already actively using the internet and digital technologies for various tasks. Anastasia notes that in the future, online courses and lectures may become an alternative to television broadcasts, although their availability and cost remain an important aspect.

According to Evgenia Shmeleva, Anastasia's colleague from the HSE Center for Sociology of Higher Education, existing data does not confirm that mobile devices and the internet have become commonplace for all segments of the population. According to a VTsIOM survey, more than one-third of Russians over 60 do not own smartphones. Furthermore, the 2023 HSE study "Household Economic Behavior" shows that approximately 50% of Russians over 65 do not use the internet. These facts highlight the pressing issue of digital inequality among Russia's elderly population.

A study on digital inequality in Russia and its impact on the digitalization of the economy and society, conducted by the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge in 2022, found that active internet use does not always indicate a high level of digital literacy. In other words, regular access to social media and messaging apps does not guarantee an individual will easily learn online or master digital professions. This highlights the importance of not only access to internet resources, but also the need to improve digital skills among the population for successful integration into the digital economy.

Prospects for Online Courses for Older Audiences

Natalia Vlodavskaya believes that the online learning market for older adults in Russia has high potential. However, its development requires active government participation. Support from government agencies can contribute to the creation of accessible educational programs adapted to the needs of the silver generation, which in turn will help improve their quality of life and integration into the digital society.

Alexey Dvoretsky of Skillfactory believes that the market for educational products for people of pre-retirement, retirement, and "silver" age is not large enough to launch specialized solutions for this target audience. He believes that more universal programs exist that can meet the needs of both the older generation and young people. Such products with broad positioning will be more in demand and are able to cover a variety of age groups, making them more effective from a business perspective.

Tatyana Smirnova believes that in the coming years, courses for seniors, that is, for the 60+ group, will likely not generate significant profits. She notes that this is due to a number of factors. Firstly, there is a stereotype that older people are not interested in learning and new knowledge. Secondly, many of them may not have sufficient financial resources to pay for such courses. It is also worth considering that training programs for this age group are often not sufficiently adapted to their needs and interests. All these aspects may negatively impact the demand and profitability of courses for senior citizens.

• The income level in this age group is lower than that of other groups;
• People of this age are less likely to constantly learn and pay for education;
• The projected life expectancy of this age group is lower than that of younger Russians.

A different trend is observed in the 45-59 age group: these people have higher incomes and life expectancy. However, they are faced with an increase in the retirement age and changes in the labor market. This creates a need for advanced training and the acquisition of new skills. In this regard, the direction of courses for senior citizens will continue to develop, notes Tatyana.

Data from a survey conducted by VTsIOM in 2024 confirm the relevance of the topic of vocational training. Survey respondents were asked whether they had received any training in the form of advanced training courses, professional retraining, master classes, or workshops in the last five years. The results showed that the proportion of people in the 45 to 59 and 60 year old age groups who had received training in the period from three to five years prior to the survey was approximately the same. However, the rates of those who had received training in the last two years differed significantly between these two age groups. This underscores the importance of up-to-date knowledge and skills for maintaining competitiveness in today's labor market.

• 7% of respondents aged 60 and over and 30% of respondents aged 45 to 59 had received training in the last year;
• 2% of respondents aged 60 and over and 9% of respondents aged 45 to 59 had received training in the last two years.

The data indicate that people aged 45 to 59 do indeed have a more developed learning habit. In addition, in recent years they have been faced with the need to study more and more often.

In a recent column for RBC Trends, Natalia Tsarevskaya-Dyakina, Director of the Skolkovo Foundation's EdTech Cluster, highlighted an important trend: despite increasing life expectancy in Russia, the birth rate is declining. This is leading to a decline in the number of young professionals in the labor market. Amid these changes, Tsarevskaya-Dyakina predicts a growth in EdTech projects focused on training more mature students. Thus, educational technologies will adapt to new realities, providing opportunities for professional development and retraining for adults.

A person at 40 no longer perceives their age as approaching retirement. They have another 20 years ahead for further career growth. During this time, they have accumulated valuable experience and useful contacts, becoming a unique specialist. I expect the trend of not hiring people over 40 will soon disappear, and interest in such candidates will emerge instead. As a result, EdTech projects aimed at teaching more mature students will develop.

What else is important to consider when launching courses for seniors?

Experts have identified key limitations faced by older students. Alexey Dvoretsky notes that distrust of the online learning format and difficulties adapting to new teaching methods are prevalent among them. These factors can significantly affect the quality of education and student motivation, which requires attention from educational institutions.

Tatyana Smirnova confirms these statistics Netology reports that 44.8% of students over 45 lack face-to-face interaction with teachers. 36.8% experience technical difficulties while studying. 25.3% of these students also cite poor communication with classmates as a problem, 18.2% cite low self-discipline and motivation, and 12.4% encounter difficulties due to unfamiliar terminology. Furthermore, some students are unable to complete their studies due to health-related reasons, such as poor eyesight or back problems. These factors highlight the importance of providing support for older students during online learning.

According to Tatyana, courses aimed at older people could become a truly promising direction if:

• the income of Russians in this group increases;
• they develop an understanding of the value of education;
• these programs take into account the specific features of education of older people.

Education of older people should cover not only the development of knowledge and skills, but also satisfying the need for communication and a sense of self-worth. Reaping benefits from new knowledge is possible not only through increased income, but also through increased social significance and recognition. Technologies in education (EdTech) play a key role in changing stereotypes about the effectiveness of older people. They are capable of forming a new image of the "silver" Age as a period of productive and successful life.

Anastasia Kapuza emphasizes that engagement can be considered through three main components: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. However, it is also important to consider the fourth component—social. This aspect becomes especially significant for students over 60, as many of them may experience loneliness and seek opportunities for communication and community building during the learning process. Considering social factors in educational programs for this age group can significantly increase their motivation and interest in learning.

Evgenia Shmeleva identified several promising areas of courses specifically designed for older adults. These courses are aimed at developing skills and expanding knowledge, which contributes to active aging and an improved quality of life. They can include learning new technologies, cooking, art, as well as physical activity and health. Such programs help older adults stay engaged in society and maintain mental activity, which is especially important in today's world.

• improving digital and financial literacy (how to save and grow funds);
• leisure practices (shared with other people);
• education as a way to combat mental illness;
• acquiring skills for volunteer work (to develop the skills needed to help others).

Education as a method of disease prevention is an important area of ​​research. Experts emphasize its significant potential, especially in the context of joint programs with healthcare institutions. Such initiatives can contribute to a deeper study of the positive impact of educational interventions on reducing the risk of dementia and other similar diseases. Collaboration between educational and medical organizations opens new horizons for the development of effective strategies aimed at improving health and quality of life.

She emphasized that volunteering helps overcome life's difficulties and develop communities, which becomes especially important with age.