u3a (The University of the Third Age) is a UK-wide movement which brings together people in their ‘third age’ to develop their interests and continue learning in a friendly and informal environment.
The third age means when you have finished working full-time or raising your family and have time to pursue interests or just try something new.
u3a has a university of members who draw upon their experience to share knowledge and learn from each other but there are no qualifications – it is just for pleasure, learning is its own reward.
The first u3a (Universite du Troisieme Age) was founded in Toulouse in 1972. The Universities in France made available their facilities and tutors to provide courses for older people.
The first University of the Third Age in the UK started in Cambridge in 1981. When the idea was taken up in the UK, the model was different. u3as in the UK are created, organised, and managed by members who voluntarily run the activities.