“People with strong connections to family and friends have a 50% greater chance of outliving those with fewer social ties. Friends can strengthen our immune system, help us recover more quickly from illness, sharpen our memory and even help us live longer.”
So writes Bonnie Vengrow, a New York based journalist in her article The Importance of Friends as you Age.” Based on her research on the medical impact of being socially connected, it’s a no brainer that you need people in your life to combat the potential loneliness of growing older.
It’s always a good time to think about the changes you can make to widen your friendship circle and embrace new interests. Moving house, changed interests, a period of ill-health or losing close friends and loved ones are characteristic of ageing. While our energy level may ebb, making the effort to make new friends and continue learning is vital for our wellbeing.
As the film director, George Millar once said ” We are verbs not nouns!” Humans need to do stuff not just be.. and with Mad Max films in his repertoire, Mr. Millar knows about taking action!
One inexpensive and accessible way for older people to connect and learn is the University of the Third Age or U3A network.
University of the Third Age is a worldwide movement to provide learning and engagement opportunities for retired members of the community- people in their “Third Age.” U3A started in France in 1973 under the guidance of Professor Pierre Vallas. The movement spread to the UK where in 2020 membership of U3A was in the region of 450,000 seniors….and that was five years ago!
In Australia U3A began in 1984 and has grown to about 250 independent organisations with over 100,000 members offering courses and memberships at very low cost to people who are reaching retirement or are fully retired. While it is called a “University” don’t imagine lectures, entry requirements, exams, and formal qualifications. Anyone can join and participate, volunteer and make friends as well as learning new skills and keeping your mind active.
Here are some questions you might be asking…..
How much does it cost?
A quick google search shows that here in Melbourne U3A’s charge between $40-$100 in membership fees. Some organisations will also charge an additional fee for certain subjects like art classes Even so, U3A fees are relatively inexpensive. The Council of Adult Education charges $240 for a one day art class. There’s no doubt U3A delivers low-cost learning. In the four U3A’s I have experience with, once you have paid the fees you can sign up for as many courses as you like…..but make sure you attend or opt out so others can benefit. Many U3A’s have waiting lists for popular courses.
Where are courses held?
Some courses are face to face workshop-based learning at local community centres and libraries. Other courses are held via Zoom and instruction is available on how to connect via your ipad, phone or laptop.
How long do courses last?
Some courses run for the full year (February- end of November) because they are skill based such as learning a language. There are also 2-hour seminars, film groups that meet at a local cinema, Some U3A’s have trips to the country and regional cities to see art exhibitions. Some have summer schools in December/ January. Others offer speaker programs, book clubs in cafes, bike rides and hikes. sSo the answer is anywhere from 2 hours to a whole year!
Who are the tutors for the courses?
Tutors are volunteers who have expertise in the subject offering. If the course is popular, it will be offered again. Often retired business people, artists, academics and qualified exercise professionals will tutor a course. Some tutors teach skills. Others organise outings and help social networks to form.
How do I find my local U3A?
Try googling U3A and the council area where you live or contact your local council and they’ll let you know. Also ask around. Local coffee shops and gyms are a great way to find out what’s happening locally.
Can anyone join?
The organisation’s focus is to provide learning for older people- so think retired older people, both men and women. In my experience ages range from late 50’s to 90 year olds. What I have most enjoyed is meeting people who enjoy getting out there and living their older age with fun, purpose and making the most out of their lives. Do you need to be an extrovert? Absolutely not! Come as the unique human being that you are. If you want to sit quietly and learn, read books, enjoy other people’s conversations, contribute when you feel like it U3A is a safe, respectful place for everyone.
What sort of courses are offered?
Courses vary from one U3A to the next but may include…….
Yoga at all levels, Languages at all levels including French, Italian, Spanish, Indonesian and Mandarin, Bridge, Creative writing, Critical thinking, Dancing on Fridays, Book Groups, Lawn Bowls, Fly Fishing, Travel, Majong, Singing, Ukele groups, Film online, Fashion, IT skills, Wine appreciation, Play Reading, Photobooks, Reiki, Philosophy, Photography, Current Affairs, Cooking, Life Changes, Pickleball, Dance, and many many more….
and remember… in most cases once you’ve paid your membership, courses are free.
ACT NOW! Remember Mr. Millar’s advice..humans are meant to act and do things not sit around waiting for something to happen!