<![CDATA[There are many factors that influence the success of language learning. One of them is the age factor. Another is motivation.This study investigates age and motivation as contributors to second language acquisition (SLA) in older learners. Considering the cognitive and social challenges that characterize language learning in later life, the study examines the role of intrinsic and social motivation in helping older learners overcome age barriers. The study involved a 60-year-old American missionary learning Indonesian and a 70-year-old Indonesian professor learning English. A qualitative case study design was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews conducted over a month in Salatiga. The interviews explored each participant's learning experiences, motivations, and barriers to language learning. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and insights in the data. It was found that both participants faced similar memory retention issues, lack of practice situations, and circumstances such as work and the pandemic. Despite this, their strong intrinsic motivation, stemming from personal, professional, and community goals, kept them engaged. This study suggests that older learners can succeed in SLA if there is alignment between motivation and social goals and an appropriate learning context. ]]>
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