In the context of the expansion of modern human activity and the rapid obsolescence of acquired competencies, it has become necessary to form a system of continuing adult education that meets the requirements of a dynamically developing society. This article discusses the basic principles of theory and practice of lifelong learning for the elderly at universities in Kazakhstan and Germany. In the article, the authors analyze the problem of organizing continuing education for the elderly. The authors note that older people set individual goals for themselves, choose the most important educational programs offered on a regular basis, and develop individual training programs. After all, the integration of new and flexible forms of continuing education for adults with the already established system of professional development and professional training requires in-depth scientific analysis. The novelty is the research and analysis of the Silver University facility, which has been successfully operating for decades within the framework of the traditional higher education system at universities in Germany and Kazakhstan. The results showed that the difference between teaching older people and traditional adult education allows for a flexible approach to learning, adapted to the individual needs and interests of students.