TEACHING ENGLISH TO BEGINNER OLDER ADULTS OVER 50 WITH THE SUPPORT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – 2026

Abstract

Teaching English to people over 50 presents specific pedagogical challenges that require different approaches focused on experience, motivation, and respect for individual learning rhythms. As we age, cognitive acquisition slows down unless the mind remains active and engaged. This article highlights key aspects of teaching English to older adults who are complete beginners and have never been exposed to the language. It also explores the potential of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) as supportive tools, applied with ethics, humanism, and inclusivity. The conclusion emphasizes that integrating innovative and active teaching methodologies with AI can significantly enrich English learning for this age group, provided that teachers act as mediators and students remain at the center of the process.