
CEO of the Third Age Trust, Iain Cassidy, features in 'Redefining Later Living', a news-style programme hosted by ITN Business. The programme challenges traditional ideas about ageing and instead presents ideas about what makes healthy and happy later lives.
In an interview with host Sharon Thomas, Iain talks about how u3a can contribute to a better later life. He says, "Research has shown time and time again that it's the quality and quantity of your social connections that are the best indicator for not just a long life but a healthy later life as well. I think what the u3a model does is allow those connections to be developed."
Within u3a, members connect together in informal interest groups where they learn subjects chosen by the members themselves. As such, subjects within u3a are varied - from French to Fashion, from Walking to Woodworking. Rather than the traditional teacher-learner structure, in u3a, members learn from each other. In his interview, Iain argues that this model is especially beneficial in retirement.
Iain explains, "what people don't often appreciate is that when you retire, you lose the social connections you get when you're at work. You lose the structure and often the meaning - being able to say, 'I'm a doctor', 'I'm an electrician', 'I'm whatever your work purpose is. Through taking part in learning, you can create new meaning. All of a sudden you're a volunteer, you're a learner. You've got that meaning and that structure that allows you to get the most out of life."
The interview with Iain sits alongside conversations with other organisations that contribute significantly to conversations around ageing, including Alzheimer's Society and the British Menopause Society.
Watch the full programme, and Iain's interview, on the ITN Business Hub.