Think over the years how many times you have thought to yourself – “I wish I knew how to do that!” What was it?
Maybe it was to learn another language, music, horticulture, literature, life science, computing, photography, or simply bush walking. Well what better time to learn than now? We are living in the Age of Information and thanks to the University of the 3rd Age, neither money, age, space, nor time need be a barrier to taking a short course and revitalising your mind.
In the words of the author of the book A Fresh Map of Life, “…The crown of life, it is declared, the time of personal self-realisation and fulfilment, comes after our children have left us and after we have given up our jobs, so as to enter what is now to be called the Third Age.”
Studying at the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) is not for the pursuit of a job or career, but instead for pleasure, self-development, to meet with like minded people, and stimulate the mind in a casual, friendly and engaging environment. At a cost of around $45 per year (on average) it is truly an incredible opportunity for any inquisitive mind.
With over 300 courses in 40 topics held throughout Sydney alone, Barbara Caldicott from Sydney U3A believes that semi-retirees and retirees won’t have much trouble finding something that interests them. She says popular courses include Literature, Creative Writing, Languages (such as French, Italian, German), Art Appreciation, Film Discussion Groups, Take Me to the Opera, Bridge, a Series of One-Off Talks with high profile guests from major institutions, and English as a second language… just to name a few!
U3A member Mr Watts, a former mechanical engineer, attests to the variety on offer “I’ve been a member of our local group for the past 18 months and we’ve done so many different things,” he says. “I’m in a group that studies genealogy, one that helps people understand computers, and another that deals with science and technology.” The last lecture he attended was on the physics behind rainbows. It appears U3A is a boundless world of opportunities to discover.
Not limited to Sydney and Melbourne, U3A classes are held in community centres, halls, and libraries across Australia. There is also U3A Online, a world-first Virtual University of the Third Age delivering online learning via the internet. All that’s needed to study online is access to a computer with an internet connection – and some basic computing skills. These courses are open to all retirees anywhere in the world and are a great option for members of the community who are isolated either through geographical, physical, or social circumstances (including carers).
Ms Caldicott informed us “The use of the term ‘university’ refers to the old Greek concept of like minded people coming together with a leader”, and that U3A originated in France with a group of retiring university professors over a cup of coffee. They pondered the solution to being able to retire while continuing to learn in a relaxed and casual environment. U3A was born and spread throughout Europe, UK, USA, and finally Melbourne, Australia back in 1987. U3A continues to grow and encourage retirees to share the expertise they have gained in their working lives in informal meetings and social gatherings.
Over the years with an ageing population of students Ms Caldicott has seen the demographic change dramatically. Today’s retiree generally has the priority of finance and travel. As research shows that keeping the mind active is key in warding off Dementia and Alzheimer’s, she hopes that they also prioritise studying and socialising through an organisation such as U3A as well.
U3A’s range of courses enables members to broaden their horizons, be involved with new learning experiences, and to share knowledge across a vast selection of fields. Check in your local area for your nearest group and become a member. U3A depends on tutors volunteering their experience and qualifications in order to conduct a course. If you have skills to share, they would love to hear from you. As a non-profit organisation word of mouth is vital, so if you know someone who may be interested – spread the word.