The concept of lifelong learning is believed to involve participants of all ages. In Russia, elderly people (senior adults) are mostly interested in less educationally focused activity, but rather personal development within informal learning. A language course is an opportunity for senior adults to stay active and participate in community life. Contrary to stereotypes, senior adults can learn foreign languages successfully, though it requires special teaching and learning techniques when a teacher acts as a facilitator. The article focuses on psychological and age-related specifics in teaching English senior learners when some basic principles of andragogy can be applied: self-actualization, self-evaluation and self-direction of a learner. The grammar and vocabulary content should fully meet the language needs of a senior learner. Adjustments in the learning environment made by a teacher can greatly facilitate the process of learning.