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?

We have Oddfellows, Rotary, U3A, WI & Probex near us. The only issue for me is I will be a very young retiree & my Mum is in most of them, whilst I like spending time with her I also want to do things on my own 😊

I've got a friend who is in a tennis group and she tells me there seems to be people from about 50 onwards, at least in her tennis group. She also said there are 3 in wheelchairs so it seems inclusive.

This thread has revealed to me that U3A is probably more secretive than GCHQ, MI5 and the SAS rolled in to one.

I'm quite a nosey chatty person and meet lots of people in my life and talk about all sorts of things, but only had a really vague awareness of U3A, despite mixing with numerous active, retired people every day.

I've gone down a rabbit hole of discovery after reading this thread and found there are apparently 83 different U3A groups in my County
I had a look at a couple close to me (ie, about 2 miles from me) and each of them have dozens upon dozens of different things you can attend. Plus the invitation to start a new interest group if you want to. Anyone would be hard pressed to say there was nothing for them at any of the groups.

How is it they aren't more widely known about ?
I'd heard the term, but had to admit, I'd presumed they were much more about studying seriously, and was not aware of any of the groups that are just social or let you 'have a go at' something, or just listen to a talk or, just participate as a hobby.
Why aren't they known about ?

Because they don’t spend any money on marketing? Tbh that’s why marketing is such a skilled profession. But I don’t think it needs to be. I like the genuinely grassroots feel of it.

I’m early 60’s and the U3A groups I go to vary. Im not the youngest in some of them and the youngest by almost 20 years in others. Join - you’ve nothing to lose but lots to gain. If you don't like a particular group/activity after a few goes, don't go again but try another one. I’m sure you’ll find one with members who will be welcoming.

Wowsers, the language courses at the institute of lifelong learning near me are about £10 for 2 hours! Obviously not one to one.

@ProteinFibreHaribos Just to say you don't have to be religious to join the WI. Ours never had any god type stuff at all.

There are loads in my group in the 50’s

I’m early 60’s and am a member. I go to the active groups: walking, cycling and also a great book group. The older members tend to go to the more sedentary talks, history groups, bridge etc. You can make it what you want. If you want to start a group for your hobby to meet people with similar interests u3a will support you to do this. It is cheap to join. We pay £15 a year.

I joined a couple of years ago in my late 60s (I still work p/t for myself) and gave it two years before not renewing my sub. I went to one event ( a summer social) as a taster and I guess most of the people there were late 70s or in their 80s. People were friendly but the event was patronising in the extreme. We played 'games' at the tables, that were primary school level.

I don't know why they attract ' the elderly' so much because people do retire at all ages, from 60 onwards.

Many of the groups that half-interested me, (more 'intellectual' ones) were full.

I think it depends on the actual group but I decided I didn't want to be defined by age or work status.

Maybe it's just you!

My parents are 200 miles away from me and there are U3A groups there- many of their friends go, in their mid 80s. I've known about them for years and years.

@ProteinFibreHaribos what do you enjoy?
There are loads of walking groups.
Drama groups
Fitness groups (Dance fit, tai chi, yoga etc.)
Choirs
Volunteering
Local stately homes- volunteers

Sorry to bombard- maybe you need to re think retirement and work part time?
Did you enjoy work?

U3As vary enormously round the country.
Some are small with little going on while others are much more active.

The one I am involved with has over 1100 members in a predominantly rural area. The range of activities is enormous from cutting edge science to sports, a rock band to foreign holidays, trips to musicals to poetry ... something for everyone.

I run concert trips for them and the participants vary in age, but are very much young at heart. One or two have some problems but we welcome everyone and help each other where needed. Some are mid-50s maybe, others in their 90s and stiil very much engaged with life.

No cliquiness in the one I belong to. Always so welcoming to everyone. The organisation serves educational, cultural and health needs as well as having a role in combating isolation.

By the way.... nothing patronising about my local U3A .... no silly games like a day centre. The chair is a professor of astrophysics which helps to set the tone ... although they also embrace the social aspect too.

Indeed, maybe it is, but I know about all sorts of other groups and activities from active (sports, walking, cycling, running, outdoor swimming, etc etc) to musical groups for all different abilities, to social meet ups, loads of volunteering opportunities, craft groups, book groups, gardening groups, fundraising groups. All sort of things that I have no interest in, but am aware exist.

I live opposite a church hall. They regularly hold U3A groups and attendees appear to be in their 70's/80's. Then again so do other classes held there.

I'm quite envious sometimes as I'd love to attend a class in the day once or twice a week when I have time, but I'm only 40's. I have friends in their 70's, so I'm not ageist but I wouldn't want to feel the odd one out in classes.

You're lucky. This group had a quiz that most school age children could do and a 'throw the ball in the bucket' competition round the table.
It was like a care home meeting. But that comes back to the organisers, not just the participants.
I think the term 'university' is misleading as it implies intellectual stimulation but some of it is not that at all.

The other thing is that many groups were in members' homes. I don't want that.

I’m 50.. tomorrow - I knew a lady who was 57 & retired early with serious health issues so she started a degree at an actual university; in fact there are quite a few people I’ve known age 40s & 50s who’ve done various courses including degrees & masters at the local university.. many of the students there are mature ones. I’m working but would like to think about doing a masters one day.
Personally I would really find U3A too old. I do have some older friends in the 60-65 age group & one friend who is early 70s but they are all very young in their attitudes & outlooks on life, only one is retired.

My gym is a place where you can meet people at classes, I can’t go at present as have an injury though but I think if your gym is too cliquey then definitely try another one!