University of the Third Age
/juːnɪˌvɜːsəti əv ðə ˌθɜːd ˈeɪdʒ/
/juːnɪˌvɜːrsəti əv ðə ˌθɜːrd ˈeɪdʒ/
(abbreviation U3A)
- an international organization aimed at providing ' lifelong learning for older people'. It organizes courses and other activities for retired people. It started as part of a university in France in 1973 and the first U3A group started in the UK in 1983 after the creation of a charity The Third Age Trust. Most courses in the UK are taught by U3A members themselves using their knowledge and experience.