Based on data from Russian government statistics, the book containing an analysis of the state of the system and practice of adult education, has been published. For the first time in Russian sociological literature, the general sample (adult population) is represented by three age cohorts: 16–24, 25–54, 55–65 years. Previously, there were works based on local and targeted sociological research, which did not differentiate in this way the adult population and did not provide a complete picture of the state of affairs in this important area of the country’s social and economic development. It is shown that adult education and lifelong learning are implemented in Russia in the form of additional vocational and leisure education. Unlike the higher and secondary education – it has a significant economic return on investment, contributing to the social sustainability of territories and regions. The material of the book shows that adult learners achieve in professional and personal sense more than those who do not participate in training programs and learning. They are much less likely to get into difficult life situations and experience a higher degree of life satisfaction.