U3a

JoeEngland

U3A has been mentioned on here a few times. I emailed my local U3A to ask if it's mainly for much older people compared to me (I'm nearly 53) but had no response. Is anyone here in this organisation and tell us their experience?

DT2001

My mother-in-law says no minimum age and they welcome new blood especially if willing to help organise! She is a member of 2 groups and says they are excellent as she has joined different groups as she has aged.

Keep_pedalling

If you mean the University of the 3rd Age, then there are no age limits. It is aimed at people who are retired or semi retired which is why it’s courses mainly run weekday mornings and evenings.

JoeEngland

Keep_pedalling wrote: »

If you mean the University of the 3rd Age, then there are no age limits. It is aimed at people who are retired or semi retired which is why it’s courses mainly run weekday mornings and evenings.

I know there's no age limit but was wondering if most members are a lot older than me.

Mrs_pbradley936

I am a member - I always thought you had to be retired and therefore 60 plus but I might be wrong if others say no age restriction.

Anyway lots to do, very local and very reasonably priced.

happyandcontented

Mrs_pbradley936 wrote: »

I am a member - I always thought you had to be retired and therefore 60 plus but I might be wrong if others say no age restriction.

Anyway lots to do, very local and very reasonably priced.

Some people do take early retirement in their 50's though so surely they would be eligible to join?

davidwatts

JoeEngland wrote: »

I know there's no age limit but was wondering if most members are a lot older than me.

I would say that's likely to be the case. I'm a similar age and the subject came up when I was on a post-redundancy course. I also looked at some of the local ones and judging by the photos and the locations some of the events took place at I'd say it's more weighted to 60s and 70s.

Which is not to say don't join, just don't expect too many people of a similar age to you.

squirrelpie

I suggest just finding the list of public meetings and interest groups for your local U3A and going along to one or more, to see who's there and whether it seems like something you will enjoy. I suspect you'll find the vast majority will be older but who knows?

westv

The level of activities does seem to vary. The one closest to me has 8 activities shown on its website. Another around 15 miles away has 42.

robin61

JoeEngland wrote: »

I know there's no age limit but was wondering if most members are a lot older than me.

I retired last year aged 57. I was wondering the same thing so I went along to the local monthly meeting. It was very busy, could hardly get in the car park. I really couldn't see anyone there anywhere near my age I guess the average looked like well into their 70s. To be honest I didn't bother going in. Maybe I should have given it a chance but to be honest so far I've been really busy and am enjoying being retired.
I would say find out when they meet and see what it's like in your area. You can always walk if it's not for you.

Sue_S

I joined my local U3A a couple of years ago when I was 61. There are a few people in their fifties, some in sixties, some seventies and some eighties. I've made some amazing friends of all ages and can't believe the value for £12 per year!

Go ahead and join, just because people are older than you it doesn't mean they're less interesting!