The article is devoted to the analysis of the problem relevant in the conditions of implementing the pension reform in Russia. The role of the factor of education as a resource of preserving and developing the “third age” social community is investigated. The characteristics are given of this social community including persons of pension age and pre-retirement age. A prospect of quantitative growth of this community in the next five years is shown. The paper proves relevance and necessity of educational activities for persons of the “third age” in various forms and types, at most different levels. In doing so, both professional and other types of education are discussed. The choice of opportunities and appropriate conditions for obtaining it should be provided by the state social policy for the people of “third age”. The article highlights the author's position, according to which educational activities of this social group are able to turn it from problematic to resourceful. An important feature of these activities and its purpose is to become an intangible asset of various forms and types of professional, intellectual, cultural, leisure and civil activity. Given the novelty of the problem raised, the authors turn to a detailed review of foreign and Russian works on its various aspects. The article offers a number of research questions with both sociological and interdisciplinary focus. Not only do these questions acquire modern meaning but also have value for carrying out research of prognostic nature. The latter is particularly important in view of the pension reform that is developing over time and the significant changes in the way of life of people of the “third age”.