Well-being is becoming ever more valued in our society, and for more than 42 years the u3a movement has been helping its members achieve it. u3a provides opportunities for learning, connection, and enjoyment beyond the world of work. For the many retired people who belong to u3a groups across the UK, it offers a chance to build new friendships, explore fresh interests, and stay active within welcoming local communities.
As International Men’s Day approaches on 19th November, it’s an ideal moment to highlight how men, in particular, can benefit from the inclusive and supportive environment that u3a groups provide.
Members often say that u3a helps them feel appreciated, included, and connected. Through its many activities, they’ve learned new things, had fun, and made friendships that make life more fulfilling.
Neil, Stone u3a, says, “When I retired I was an introvert, u3a has brought me out of my shell. I lead the Hawaiian Canoeing group at Stone u3a. I enjoy it for the exercise, the banter and the social side and for the ability to see the wildlife around the lake in different seasons. Joining u3a has given me the impetus to get out and learn more about different subjects. I socialise more now than I ever have done.”
Chris reflects on the sense of connection he’s found at the Croydon u3a Tai Chi group, explaining, “You do get the feeling of belonging, and it does take away the loneliness. It’s sort of a little family, isn’t it?”
Many members have shared that their involvement with u3a has helped them feel recognised, included, and meaningfully connected to others. Engaging in a diverse range of activities, they’ve not only learned and enjoyed themselves but also created enduring friendships that continue to enrich their lives.
The u3a movement, formerly known as the University of the Third Age, was established in the UK in 1982 and now boasts over 1,000 local groups with more than 400,000 members nationwide, according to the official u3a website. It operates on a self-help model where retired and semi-retired individuals share knowledge and skills through interest groups, without formal qualifications or exams.
International Men’s Day, observed annually on 19th November since 1999, focuses on men’s health, well-being, and positive role models. This year’s theme emphasises encouraging men to reconnect and thrive, aligning closely with u3a initiatives that address social isolation in retirement.
Research from Age UK indicates that over one million older people in the UK often go an entire month without speaking to anyone, with men particularly vulnerable due to traditional reluctance to seek social support. u3a counters this by offering low-cost, peer-led activities ranging from sports and arts to languages and sciences.
In Stone, Staffordshire, the local u3a group includes unique offerings like Hawaiian Canoeing, led by Neil, which combines physical activity with communal interaction on nearby lakes. Participants report improved mental health through regular exercise and seasonal wildlife observation, fostering a sense of purpose post-retirement.
At Croydon u3a in south London, the Tai Chi group provides gentle movement sessions that enhance balance and reduce stress. Chris’s experience underscores how such groups create familial bonds, mitigating loneliness that affects many older men after leaving the workforce.
u3a national surveys show that 95% of members feel more socially connected, with men comprising around 40% of the membership but often citing greater transformative impacts on their confidence and outgoing nature.
The organisation encourages new joiners through open days and taster sessions, with annual membership fees typically under £20. Groups meet in community venues, making participation accessible regardless of location.
Experts like Dr Sam Wass, u3a patron and well-being advocate, praise the model for promoting lifelong learning and emotional resilience. “Social connections in later life are crucial for mental health,” he stated in a recent u3a newsletter.
With an ageing population, projections from the Office for National Statistics estimate that by 2040, one in four UK residents will be over 65, heightening the need for initiatives like u3a to support men’s well-being and prevent isolation.
This International Men’s Day, u3a urges retired men to explore local groups via the website u3a.org.uk, where they can search by postcode for activities tailored to interests from birdwatching to philosophy.
