History
The University of the Third Age (U3A) aims to encourage men and
women no longer in full-time employment to join together in
educational creative/leisure activities. The word 'University' is
used in its original sense of people coming together to share and
pursue learning in all its forms.
The concept of a place of learning for older and mature citizens,
with more leisure time at their hands, was developed in France in
1972, followed by the creation of the 'Association Internationale
des Universités du Troisième Age (AIUTA)
The idea spread throughout the world. The first British
'Universities of the Third Age' - U3As - were formed in 1982, under
the aegis of the Third Age Trust (TAT) which became an associate
member of AIUTA. There are now close on 700 local U3A groups
throughout the UK, with a growing membership, now approaching 210,000 men and women.
All U3As are affiliated to the TAT, a registered charity. Local U3A
groups are autonomous self-help and self-financing units, each with
its own charitable status, where local activities are planned and
undertaken according to their members' own wishes and resources. All
administrative and study group activities in each U3A are carried
out on a purely voluntary and unpaid basis. Local committee members,
responsible for the day-to-day running, are also volunteers, who
offer themselves for annual elections by their fellow members at
their local AGMs.
Although called a University, no academic qualifications are
required or given. Those who teach are also those who learn. Men and
women from all walks of life, no longer in full-time employment,
have the opportunity to meet like-minded members to expand their
knowledge, share interests or acquire new skills. Members with a
lifetime of experience, expertise or know-how in professions,
occupations or through hobbies are encouraged to form study or
interest groups. A mutual interest in learning for fun leads to new
friendships based on an expanded social experience. Many study
groups meet in members' own homes, adding a very important social
dimension. It has been scientifically acknowledged that keeping ones
brain 'working' can contribute to the health and wellbeing of older
people, particularly those living alone.
JUST AS IRON RUSTS FROM DISUSE, EVEN SO DOES INACTION SPOIL THE
INTELLECT. Leonardo da Vinci
(1452
–
1519)
Last updated June 2008