About U3A
U3A stands for the 'University of the Third Age', a self-help, self-funded social organisation.
The First Age is childhood and schooling. We learn more as babies and small children than at any other time in our lives.
The Second Age is child rearing and work. During our working lives we needed to keep learning, developing interests and making new friends.
Our busy lives may not allow time to consider what awaits us after retirement. Where will we ever find similar stimulation to “keep us on our toes” when our working life is over?
The Third Age is Retirement.
The exciting time to learn for the joy of it. We can put into practice the U3A idea of a “university” as a community of like-minded people who seek a greater understanding of life.
U3A itself also accepts three Ages
Discovery (60 – 74) The “doing years” to travel, eat out, spend more time on hobbies and interests, perhaps work part time or return to study. Many retirees are busier than they ever were.
Endeavour (75 – 84) Spending slows, travel is more of a hassle and downsizing the house is a consideration. The body may slow down and life settles into a gentler routine. Interests and hobbies are enjoyable, but perhaps at a slower pace.
Reflection (85 +) Spending on health and well-being may go up. More time is spent at home and life takes a more sedate pace.
Discovery (60 – 74) The “doing years” to travel, eat out, spend more time on hobbies and interests, perhaps work part time or return to study. Many retirees are busier than they ever were.
Endeavour (75 – 84) Spending slows, travel is more of a hassle and downsizing the house is a consideration. The body may slow down and life settles into a gentler routine. Interests and hobbies are enjoyable, but perhaps at a slower pace.
Reflection (85 +) Spending on health and well-being may go up. More time is spent at home and life takes a more sedate pace.
But remember: you’re never too old to live!
U3A’s Unique characteristics
U3A taps the great reservoir of knowledge, skills and experience of older people.
· Monthly meetings are for friendship, socialising, and hearing high quality speakers.
· Group learning topics are selected and planned by members.
· There are opportunities for reading, research, discussions and field trips.
· The atmosphere for learning is informal and friendly.
· There are no compulsory activities.
· There are no examinations.
· Costs are minimal.
· Monthly meetings are for friendship, socialising, and hearing high quality speakers.
· Group learning topics are selected and planned by members.
· There are opportunities for reading, research, discussions and field trips.
· The atmosphere for learning is informal and friendly.
· There are no compulsory activities.
· There are no examinations.
· Costs are minimal.
U3A beginnings
U3A began here at Toulouse University when Professor Pierre Vellas and colleagues recognised the pool of experience, knowledge and intelligence of retired people. They launched U3A in 1973.
Eight years later there were 60 U3As in France. In the “French Model”, each U3A has strong links with a university and is based on attending lectures.
In 1981, Peter Laslett [left] and Nick Coni wondered whether a similar venture would work in Cambridge, England. A public meeting was held resulting in the advent of U3A in the UK. The “English Model” that they evolved, stresses that
“those who teach shall also learn and those who learn shall also teach”.
“those who teach shall also learn and those who learn shall also teach”.
Since then U3A has spread worldwide.
It came to New Zealand in 1989 at Remuera in Auckland. There are now more than 80 U3As throughout the country, mostly using the “English Model”. It is believed that this model promotes increased personal learning, confidence and enjoyment by reading, research, discussions and field trips.
It came to New Zealand in 1989 at Remuera in Auckland. There are now more than 80 U3As throughout the country, mostly using the “English Model”. It is believed that this model promotes increased personal learning, confidence and enjoyment by reading, research, discussions and field trips.