“An Alternative Ageing Experience”: An Account and Assessment of the University of the Third Age in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This chapter reports on the founding of the University of the Third Age (U3A) in the United Kingdom (UK) in 1981 and its steady increase over the past 37 years with current reports documenting more than 400,000 members. The University of the Third Age movement in the UK was loosely inspired by the French Université du Troisième Âge but, as a founding fundamental principle, rejected close association with either an existing university or with national and local governments. Other fundamental principles included the creation of self-determining local groups, cooperative peer learning for pleasure and interest, no boundaries to its range of topics and activities, no awards of credit or qualification and with members defined not by chronological age but by being no longer in full-time employment. The University of the Third Age contributes significantly to positive and active ageing. Participation in U3A activities takes older people out of their homes to join peers in physical, cognitive, expressive, imaginative, explorative, altruistic, interactive, creative and social activities. The U3A has, indeed, now become an important social institution in the UK while remaining true to its basic principles which have been sustained by pragmatic but logical strategies for development. However, at some point, it will have to confront the issues relating to the greater participation of older people from working-class and ethnic minority backgrounds in its activities. It has achieved great success, but internal needs and external opportunities will arise—the challenges of which will need to be addressed.