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?

@MotherHenPeck They also do walks but they are very gentle- a choice of 1 mile or 3 miles.

I guess they vary a lot. My U3A has several walking groups, including one for 8-10 miles and one for hillwalking up to 10 miles. There's also a cycle group for up to 50 miles and a motorbike group which does up to 60 miles.

They vary a lot it seems. For example, the committee of my closest U3As are mainly women in their 80s (maybe one is late 70s) so that tends to colour the events. I have seen copies of the U3A national magazine ( family member gets it) and it's clear all groups are very different with wider age ranges.

@MotherHenPeck the groups are started and run by members, not the committee. But I guess you have to attract to the membership the sort of people who will run more active groups.

{outing] I'm in my 60's and on the committee of our local one, although probably the youngest committee member. As @swirlygates says, we'll help facilitate setting up any new group or class for our members as long as there is a member willing and able to run it and sufficient interest.

It's partly cost - u3a membership and classes is usually considerably cheaper that joining a sports club, ramblers association etc - and also the fact that the vast majority of activities take place during the day on weekdays.

And also that you do not have to trawl around finding possibilities - and might even find an activity that you had not thought of!

I finished up running the concert trips group of my local U3A when I suggested that it might be a good thing to have and they said ... "Great! - over to you!" It has been running very well and now has over 70 members.

I'm mid sixties and our U3A has a range from 50s to late 80s and possibly older. If most of the older ones are anything to go by, U3A is helping them keep remarkably physically and mentally active. I find being one of the relatively younger members a nice change from work, where I was an old codger.

There's a good range of things to choose from, ranging from the social, the intellectual, the sciency, the practical, the social, the sporty and so on. That includes pretty ambitious walking and cycling groups.

I would guess that most areas have a few to choose from within a realistic distance. It's certainly worth having a look at a few, as they do seem to vary in terms of what's on offer and the vibe.

Yes, but the social events are run by the committee where I am. They choose the speakers for the fortnightly talks and also several 'for everyone' social events several times a year. The interest groups are run by individuals, yes.

My u3a is exactly what you describe, no pressure to go each week, monthly groups etc. I find like minded people join the individual groups and you get interesting conversations.

Why not try out a few groups and see if you enjoy it. You can always leave.