Active Adults
By Richard Boon
No, no, no – don’t Google this heading unless you’re prepared or predetermined to find sites selecting saucy sex secrets of senior citizens. Rather, recall the use of that phrase as part of the propaganda for life-long learning and welcome Hackney’s entry into the University of the Third Age…
Commonly referred to as U3A, with its roots tied to academic models in France from 1968, by the early 1980s the scheme reached Britain, where it became more of a self-help organisation whose aims are the education and stimulation of retired members of the community – those in the ‘third age’ of life. U3As are self-managed, learning cooperatives for older people generally no longer in full-time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.
Hackney’s newcomer to this national scheme – which currently boasts some 613 groups with over 167,000 members – was launched in January by a group of local volunteers aware that ‘many retired and part-time workers can’t afford fees for adult education but seek an inexpensive way of learning, socialising and personal development,’ as Stoke Newington resident and group contributor Patience Champion asserts, ’which fosters good physical and mental health.’
Gradually, as the volunteers laid the foundations, an early set of learning groups has been established, led by members, with programme content and frequency of meetings decided by the groups – some meet monthly, fortnightly or weekly. Already established groups include: walking (monthly, Lea Valley area); current affairs; drama; anthropology; music appreciation; a reading group (supported by Hackney Libraries); and computer interest (in conjunction with Hackney Silver Surfers/Age Concern), with new groups focussing on local history, gardening and art to be introduced in the new year.
‘As a self-help learning cooperative’, Patience continues, ’Hackney U3A provides a range of opportunities for involvement.’ Being over 50 might help, but you don’t have to be retired to participate. Or academic. Enthusiasm and an ability to pay the modest annual membership subscription of £10 are enough – every effort is made to avoid any further charges.
Hackney U3A’s colourful website has been developed by its computer interest group members at: http://szs.net/hackney-u3a. Nationally, for fuller information: www.u3a.org.uk. As their motto states: ‘We learn for the pleasure of it, no qualifications are required and none are given.’ 
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