The University of the Third Age Movement in Australia: From Statewide Networking to Community Engagement

Abstract

This chapter outlines how the University of the Third Age (U3A) commenced in Australia in 1984, according to the British or ‘Cambridge’ model of community based, self-governed, not-for-profit groups. This chapter describes its origin and organisation, its membership profile, its curriculum approach and its challenges. The success of the U3A in Australia was largely contingent on Australians’ belief that learning is an important factor in ‘preventative health’ and in minimising the risk of dementia. Many older people wish to engage in meaningful activities and opportunities for new experiences, so one can only expect U3As to continue to provide those opportunities for continued learning, not as an economic imperative but to enhance positive ageing. Looking at the future the primary challenge is: Will the U3A movement in Australia continue to grow? There is no reason to think it will not. As older members have passed on, new members will certainly continue to join as U3A’s availability and response to its membership at grass-roots level ensures its relevance. Its volunteer base provides self-esteem to its tutors and committee members and affordability to its members. Moreover, the U3A movement in Australia has kept pace in the use of technology for both administrative efficiency and educational programme delivery. Most importantly, the fact that it offers intellectual stimulation and a range of activities within a social environment makes it attractive to retired people who want more than just bingo or crosswords or carpet bowls.