“Retirees unite.” That’s the unspoken motto of the University of the Third Age in Melbourne City. It is an international self-help movement run by and for retirees. U3A aims to create welcoming communities. Here, those over 50 can connect with each other. They can find stimulating retirement activities. Members learn new hobbies or develop old ones. They make new friends. Most importantly, they enjoy life to the full.
U3A Melbourne City welcomes members from all over Melbourne City and its suburbs. They come to a host of classes and activities. These are held in convenient locations around the CBD. The University of the Third Age offers a wide variety of courses. These range from crosswords to creative writing. You can study philosophy or films. Mah Jong and mindfulness are also options.
If you want to keep your body active, join a walking or cycling class. Dance and yoga classes are also available. Those who love the arts will enjoy gallery and exhibition visits. Drawing and painting classes await. Art appreciation courses enrich the mind.
As a member of the University of the Third Age, you need never worry about feeling bored in retirement. Come and join a vibrant community. You’ll find plenty of daytime activities to keep you busy. There is something for everyone.
Australia’s first U3A started in Melbourne in 1984. Now, there are approximately 300 U3A organisations throughout Australia. Over 100 are in Victoria.
The first University of the Third Age was established in Toulouse France in 1972. It aimed to improve the quality of life for older people. It kept them in touch with an ever-changing world. The U3A movement is well established in the United Kingdom, the United States and Europe.
U3A Port Phillip is an incorporated association. It is a member of U3A Network Victoria. This is a not-for-profit organisation staffed entirely by volunteers. All tutors are also volunteers. They give their time for free.
U3A Port Phillip offers over 80 continuing courses. These range from Art to Yoga. They also provide shorter courses and one-off events. All are free to members for a modest annual membership fee. All courses are taught or presented by volunteers. This means the range of courses is partly dictated by the availability of people to teach. It depends on the demands of the membership.
Courses include languages like French, German, and Spanish. Italian, Japanese, and Chinese Mandarin are also options. Exercise courses feature Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Strength and Interval Training. Health courses include Meditation. They offer other courses about staying well mentally and physically. Art courses include Life Drawing, Colouring, and Watercolours. There are also Book and Writing groups. Music options feature Choir and several ensemble groups. Film groups are also available. Computer skills can be learned. Lectures and Talks cover Science, Philosophy, and History. Literature is also explored.
Once you become a financial member of U3A, you can enroll in as many courses as you wish for no extra charge. Some limits are set on the number of courses of the same type for popular options. These include languages and exercise courses. There are no academic entry requirements. There are no assessments or examinations.
U3A creates a pleasant learning and social environment for members. It seeks to cooperate with other community groups. The University of the Third Age is recognized as a responsible body. It actively participates within the broader community. U3A courses are held during the day, Monday to Friday. Occasional Saturday events occur. So, come and explore lifelong learning at the University of the Third Age.