Learning a language in the third-age: a new methodology that includes learning needs, proficiency, well-being and cognition.

In this symposium contribution, we present the first language learnings needs analysis in seniors. Language learning needs of seniors are not only unaddressed in research but also in teaching pedagogy. Their absence might even be one of the reasons why the research conducted on language learning to enhance cognitive functions in the third-age has not found clear answers. It is of vital importance to investigate language learning needs, most notably as expressed by seniors themselves, both for research and for practice. We report the results of a language learning needs analysis conducted among 197 seniors from 23 countries. The primary aim of the study is to arrive at a foundational understanding of the most optimal format for third-age language learning courses according to seniors themselves. Seniors in our study were found to have strong ideas about their language learning  needs and our symposium contribution details these needs.