U3A- anyone belong to a group?

[HellHathNoFuryLikeAMnetter]

Long shot here as the group is for retired people - any age but usually over 60.

I've joined my local one as I need to make more friends but have yet to go to a meeting/event.

I've seen photos of a lot of them in the groups and they look much older than me (ie in their 80s.)

I'm not ageist, truly, but I would have more in common with younger people in their late 50s/ early 60s.

My sister goes to a group near her (miles away) but she's 76 and says I'm too young for U3A.

I wanted to ask the same question, I'm 57 this year and was thinking of joining. I don't know anyone who goes but it looks like there's lots to do and I would find it quite interesting.

Maybe someone can reassure us!

It possibly varies and I know it's possible to join several areas, not just the one on your doorstep.

My group posts photos of events on their website (maybe yours does the same?) And, sorry, but all of them looked mid 80s like my Mum's social circle.

My DM 65 goes and loves it. Seems to be a mix of ages though often she is one of the younger ones. The members in their 80’s actually seem to be the most fun/energetic of the lot.

My mum goes and she’s 84

It reminds me of when my aunt gave up going on Saga holidays because the age difference became too much - she was probably 80 at that stage and didn't feel she had anything in common with the 'youngsters' in their 60s.

You're only going to find out by joining in. They might welcome you with open arms for bringing down the average age and attracting younger people.

And also, you're not going to have many more opportunities in life where you feel young compared with the people around you. That's a good reason to hang out with people 20 years older!

I think you could start your own group if you wanted - if you make it very obviously about something more energetic you will attract the younger element maybe? Or at least young at heart.

Watch out for being asked to take on running multiple groups at once - obviously that's how the U3A operates but don't be overwhelmed.

Gee- thanks you're a ray of sunshine!

Surely it's the opposite? I want my friends to outlive me, not die before me!

Where I live they seem to be 50s + (we see the walking club I'm our village). My DH and I get a village magazine and the range of groups is amazing here, we wish we were retired so we could join!

My mum went to it for a while and said everyone was a bit snobby, quiet, insular and didn't seem remotely interested in making friends! This was when she was about 70. I guess it depends on the group but if they're friendly then I wouldn't care about their age. I'm medically retired and only in my 40s so I'd probably be right out of place. It sounds good in theory, but my mum wouldn't recommend it.

U3A doesn't usually advertise in village mags (not in this area anyway.) Their website is where they have events - and by email for members- and they are only open to members- £20 a year.

My mum was a member for years from l would say 65 ish - l know members could introduce new groups if they had an interest or knowledge in a subject which wasn’t offered. She absolutely loved it and made many new friends. I will look into joining when l am eventually able to retire!

Oh they advertise here and put in details of all the groups / locations/ days.

OP I've just remembered they do local information meetings where you go along to see what's on offer. If you look on the website for your local area it should show when the next info meeting is. It might be a way of gauging the age range!

Interesting.

We just get it all by email and their website. In fact when my sub was a bit late this year they emailed me to say I'd be taken off the list for email notifications if I didn't pay.

Thanks-Yes I knew that. It was Sept last year and I was on holiday.
I looked at the photos of that event (on their website) and that's where I reached the conclusion that most were in their 80s.
I agree I just need to try it and see.

They advertise in our local (urban) glossy free magazine. I always think it looks interesting. The people I know who take part are all late 60s early 70s but very fit and active. They all also play tennis or golf, and volunteer in a variety of roles. They seem like a fun bunch tbh. I look forward to having the time to take part!

This is what puts me off as well. I have the time to do more things now but on their website, they look so much older than me. My in laws are members and they're 80. I don't want to be the youngest person somewhere

I also recently joined (I’m 61) and have been to the large monthly meeting which must have had 200 or more in attendance. Most looked in their 70s I would say.
I’ve yet to join one of the individual groups but am looking at book club, tai chi, beginners French. There are so many options to choose from. I’m also hoping to widen my social circle.

I think there is a wide variation in terms of age profile depending on the interest/activity of the individual group. My DH is late 50s and joined the local U3A guitar “band”, age ranges from him up to late 70s, but age differences are not an issue at all. He enjoys it, despite having reservations before joining.

Ive got an older friend. She’s 63 now and her husbands in his 70s and they’ve been really keen members for 5 or 6 years. He does family history, and she does loads of different things walking, art, book group etc. It sounds brilliant, and I definitely want to do it. She’s never mentioned that everyone’s much older, and I think she’d have said

My mum is early 70s and quite involved in her local U3A as attendee and organiser. She enjoys it and has made lots of friends. The thing she dislikes is that many in her group are older and can be resistant to change. E.g insistence on receiving payments by cheque instead of bank transfer, which is a constant annoyance!

Im 57 and retired early and joined a year or so ago. I go to various groups from the feminist group, to soundbath, eating out, history group. I am one of the youngest but by no means the onlu one in their 50s in all the groups. In the feminist group they range from mid 50s to our oldest member at 97. Take the leap and test out a few groups to see what you think - they do some great day trips as well.

I've been a member for a few months. I have just renewed membership for £10 for the year.
I'm mid 60's and most people I have met are similar age, or a bit older.

I haven't been really active in the group yet, but I do go to a coffee morning once a month, and I went on one of the snowdrop walks in the local area.

I enjoyed both as they are small groups and easier to get to know people.

I use their website to find out what is going on in the local area to decide which one I want to attend. So far I haven't been disappointed.

I joined at 55 and I'm in a couple of groups. Yes, everyone's older than me, but that doesn't mean that they're not interesting to talk to.

There are the odd ones who don't do online banking, but most of them do use it.