I belong to Logan U3A and we had our Christmas Party last week. What is U3A?
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is an international organisation whose aim is education and stimulation of retired people in the community, those in the third age of life.
The U3A organisation started in France in 1973. It was started by a Prof. Pierre Vellas. It was closely associated with local universities. This academic model is followed in continental Europe.
By the early 1980s, the scheme reached the United Kingdom where its nature was radically changed to be more a self help organisation. This model is also used in Australia, Cyprus, Dominica, New Zealand and South Africa.
In the British model it is acknowledged that retired people have a lifetime of experience and, collectively, a vast amount of knowledge. This is used to arrange a syllabus for each subject where each meeting is normally led by a member of the group with specialist knowledge.
In USA There has been little found about U3A.
"Despite being introduced to San Diego in 1975 the U3A movement, as such, has not struck a responsive chord with aging Americans. Part of the reason for this can, perhaps, be attributed to the wide range of competing, professionally organised programs. The internationally known Elderhostel program, which also began in 1975, and a number of other large programs having many elements in common with both the French and British models of U3A are described by Knox (1993), and Moskow-McKenzie and Manheimer (1993).
One of the best known and fastest growing of the programs for older North Americans, and one which fits comfortably with the U3A philosophy, is the Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILRs) program." R.Swindell & J.Thompson. Read more here
U3A Online Inc The world first virtual U3A was started in Australia in 1998. "U3A Online offers many other useful resources for older people, especially those who are geographically, physically or socially isolated. Our courses are open to all older people and disabled younger people anywhere in the world. They are especially suited to older members of the community who are isolated either geographically, or through physical or social circumstances (including carers)." from U3A Online Inc website. Read more here.
When I retired I wanted to learn more about photography so I looked up U3A to find a course or club. There wasn't a U3A in my locality of Logan so I went to Redlands U3A (a neighbouring city) for a year. Then I was contacted by a friend who was starting up an U3A in Logan including a camera club. I went to the first meeting and ended up being asked to be the leader of the camera club together with TOH's help. So the two of us have been running the club for 2 years now. All leaders and tutors are volunteers.
I also go to "iPad" classes and I have joined a ''Walking for Fitness" group.
It is a great way to meet people, keep your brain active and have lots of fun.
After the little concert, everyone enjoyed Christmas fare and time to chat with other members. Jean on the right is the wonderful lady who started up U3A in Logan City. She is now finding it hard to do all the organising by herself so a group of us have offered to help for next year's classes and groups.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is an international organisation whose aim is education and stimulation of retired people in the community, those in the third age of life.
The U3A organisation started in France in 1973. It was started by a Prof. Pierre Vellas. It was closely associated with local universities. This academic model is followed in continental Europe.
By the early 1980s, the scheme reached the United Kingdom where its nature was radically changed to be more a self help organisation. This model is also used in Australia, Cyprus, Dominica, New Zealand and South Africa.
In the British model it is acknowledged that retired people have a lifetime of experience and, collectively, a vast amount of knowledge. This is used to arrange a syllabus for each subject where each meeting is normally led by a member of the group with specialist knowledge.
In USA There has been little found about U3A.
"Despite being introduced to San Diego in 1975 the U3A movement, as such, has not struck a responsive chord with aging Americans. Part of the reason for this can, perhaps, be attributed to the wide range of competing, professionally organised programs. The internationally known Elderhostel program, which also began in 1975, and a number of other large programs having many elements in common with both the French and British models of U3A are described by Knox (1993), and Moskow-McKenzie and Manheimer (1993).
One of the best known and fastest growing of the programs for older North Americans, and one which fits comfortably with the U3A philosophy, is the Institutes for Learning in Retirement (ILRs) program." R.Swindell & J.Thompson. Read more here
U3A Online Inc The world first virtual U3A was started in Australia in 1998. "U3A Online offers many other useful resources for older people, especially those who are geographically, physically or socially isolated. Our courses are open to all older people and disabled younger people anywhere in the world. They are especially suited to older members of the community who are isolated either geographically, or through physical or social circumstances (including carers)." from U3A Online Inc website. Read more here.
When I retired I wanted to learn more about photography so I looked up U3A to find a course or club. There wasn't a U3A in my locality of Logan so I went to Redlands U3A (a neighbouring city) for a year. Then I was contacted by a friend who was starting up an U3A in Logan including a camera club. I went to the first meeting and ended up being asked to be the leader of the camera club together with TOH's help. So the two of us have been running the club for 2 years now. All leaders and tutors are volunteers.
I also go to "iPad" classes and I have joined a ''Walking for Fitness" group.
It is a great way to meet people, keep your brain active and have lots of fun.
Here are some shots of our Logan U3A Christmas Party.
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The beginner German language group sing Carols in German. |
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The Spanish language group sing in Spanish. |
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The French language group. |
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The advanced German language group singing with actions. |
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Some of the Logan U3A members enjoy Carols played by Richard from the Ukulele class. |