THE UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE - THE U3A

The University of the Third Age published a report in 2024 called Learn to Live which emphasised the importance of learning for living well and this is supported by very strong scientific evidence. Although it helps to be born to wealthy parents it is even more important to choose parents who value education highly because education is of vital importance in determining not only how long you will live but also how well you will live.

​So the U3A is a health service, it will increase your wellbeing, reduce your risk of serious disease, including dementia, and help you adapt better should you develop some long term health problem! Any learning is beneficial, no matter the subject, but the aim of the SIG for Living Longer Better is to offer the opportunity for members to learn and reflect on the factors that determine what is called healthy longevity or lifespan.

The U3A has a monthly series of seminars called Future Lives which provide high quality learning opportunities. At local level there is interest in setting up Special Interest Groups for Living Longer Better and the Oxford U3A SIG was launched on the 2nd of March

The U3A has 1,000 Branches and 400,000 members and have a growing influence, both nationally and ,even more important, locally, in their communities.