Is U3A too old for me!

[ProteinFibreHaribos]

Recently retired in my late 50’s.
Im looking for things to fill the day. There are several U3A groups within a drivable distance, but I’ve had a look at their websites and their itineraries and it all looks like they cater for older people (said in the nicest possible way!).
Has anyone my age, who has joined the U3A? How did you find it?
My DSil tried one, but said they were a bit clicky, so left.
Any alternative groups for the recently retired?

My parents are early 80s and have started going. Most people seem to be about their age.

Completely depends on your area and the activities you're interested in. My husband (early 60s) plays a sport with U3A; his mates range from mid 40s to 80s 🤷‍♀️

I’m 66 and definitely one of the youngest. Different groups can have different cohorts though, and yes, some can be cliquey, but others more inclusive. I’m a fan. I like that most groups only meet once a month, so you can join several different ones without feeling like you’re over-committing.

It varies I think from late 60s to 90s in my area. More around the 75-80 bracket. So a bit older than 50s.

I’ve got the impression they’re pitched a bit older than me (65) but it may vary.
If you’re looking for things to ‘fill your day’ there are all sorts of volunteering options. I’ve started doing some with the Canals and Rivers Trust - many of us are retirees.

I agree. I’m also 65 and plan to wait another 5-10 years.

Im 68 and attend a craft class. I would say about 3/4 are older than me but they’re a lovely bunch of people. You can mix with all ages

I am 64. I am often one of the youngest but that doesn’t bother me. It’s an excellent cheap way of joining a language group. Am in a music group that goes to gigs which is also good.

Thank you! I wasn’t expecting so many answers.
Im really looking for a group that I can go to, but don’t HAVE to go too every week. The local Facebook page isn’t very helpful ( unless you want a recommendation for a cooker cleaning company).
Not religious, so WI or local church groups are a no. Not crafty. Not musical.

I’ve just paid for a language course at a local college and it is very expensive (£18 per week). Interesting to hear that you have them in the U3A. How much are the lessons?

I have looked at volunteering, but I don't want to commit to a regular day. I’m looking for clubs /volunteer groups that are totally flexible.

I'm 61 and probably one of the youngest but I had friends of all ages so it doesn't bother me. I'm there for the group anyway, it's the subject that interests me, not too worried about making friends, thats not why I go.

There are plenty of flexible volunteering options - often based on hobby groups like walking or music , our town clean up crew , our local environmental charity

we did join U3A but have since left - the language groups were always completely full and many of the other groups were cliques

It may well depend on where you live. My local U3A isn’t affiliated to the main ones. I know you can’t be working full-time to join, but some people work part-time. It might be that you have to be over 55 to join, I’m not sure. Anyway, there are plenty of people in the 55 - 65 year age group.

In my local group there are loads of language lessons at different levels. You pay an annual subscription (currently £120) and then almost all the courses are free. The only ones you pay for pay the tutor, (or the lifeguard at the swimming pool) but most tutors are volunteers. I used to go to three dance classes a week: those tutors were all volunteers who had had careers teaching dance. They do it because they enjoy it, and so did we.

That’s really interesting.

What about a book group ? Or 2 ? I’m in 2.

I've never heard of this, yet it's the second mention of U3A I've seen on MN today.

I’m in my local one.

i’m 49 and medically retired.
I’m in the recorder group and I think I’m the youngest but plenty of fifty somethings

The volunteering I do is flexible. There’s usually 2 or 3 days each week when there’s something doing, and there’s no pressure to do more than you want - like many new retirees I’ve been away on holiday a lot so I’ve probably only done 2 or 3 days a month so far this year. Before Covid I did a couple of days a month with the local Wildlife Trust - again it wasn’t something you had to do religiously just the more hands the better iyswim.

I only knew about it because it’s a big thing where my mum lives.
Googled it and awe have have 4 groups within a 2- mile distance.

That’s the sort of commitment I’m looking at. We want to go away on last minute holidays, so don’t want to be tied in.

It’s very difficult to find similar ages or younger in retired group groups

I know a few people who have retired early, so I’m quite surprised

I haven’t really retired, but I’ve had a hell of a lot of time off! I have found that generally I meet people who are a lot older or a lot younger at daytime things

It does make sense because 50s are usually working. The gym has been the best place to meet all sorts of people. I’m not too bothered, but it’s nice to have some people who are available during the day

What do you want to do? Your're very young to retire with no plan.

@ProteinFibreHaribos is the £18 a week a typo? That seems really cheap. Do you mean for an hour lesson?

My gym is also very cliquie ( I’ve given up on spell checker).

i think we are the invetweeners. Still young. Retired ( for various reasons). Not knowing what to do with our free time, as we have always worked.