Fully and semi-retired people in Scotland have a new way to learn about subjects that interest them thanks to U3As.
More than one per cent of the over 65s is now learning for fun in these locally-led educational groups and research also shows that regularly meeting up with other people brings attendant health and social benefits.
MSPs who visited the U3A in Scotland exhibition in the Scottish Parliament this week are being encouraged to support the creation and development of U3As in their constituencies.
Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire said:
‘Older people have a lifetime of knowledge to share at a point when they also have more time to learn. The range of subjects people want to study informally is purely down to the interests of local members.’
‘I was surprised to find there are already 54 U3As up and down the country, and more are ready to launch. It makes sense that going to individual classes and monthly U3A meetings can impact social isolation.’
‘I certainly want to support any new and established U3As in our area, such as Duns & District, Four Border Abbeys in Kelso, East Berwickshire and the Three Brethren.’
Chair of the U3A in Scotland, Kath Payne said:
“We are keen to raise awareness among politicians of the full range of benefits that our voluntary lifetime learning groups can bring in later life.
“Our members too have a wealth of experience and expertise which is useful for policy makers to tap into.
“We are delighted so many MSPs are pledging to support this lifelong learning phenomenon in Scotland.”