Learning has the power to open doors at every stage of life. It sparks curiosity, builds confidence, creates friendships and brings new experiences. Whether it's picking up a new language, exploring local history or trying a creative hobby, there's always something new to discover.

One of the best things about learning is that it doesn't have to happen in a classroom or lead to a qualification. And it certainly doesn't have an age limit. 

Yet new research from the Learning and Work Institute shows that too many people are missing out on the joy and benefits of learning. Their Adult Participation in Learning Survey 2026 found that just 19% of retired adults reported learning in the past three years. 

But why should learning stop when working life does?

At u3a, we see every day that curiosity doesn't retire. Across more than 1,000 local u3as, around 430,000 members come together to explore interests, share skills, make friends and try new things.

One day that might mean learning Italian. The next, discovering astronomy, joining a creative writing group or picking up a paintbrush for the first time.

What makes u3a different is that learning is led by members themselves. People share their knowledge and enthusiasm with one another. There are no exams, no pressure to achieve a particular standard and no need to have any previous experience.

It's learning for the sheer enjoyment of it. And the benefits go far beyond gaining a new skill.

Our new research report, Retirement rewired: Building fulfilling lives beyond full-time work, explores what makes life after full-time work fulfilling. Drawing on responses from more than 10,000 u3a members across the UK, the findings show just how powerful learning and shared interests can be.

Nine in ten respondents said u3a gives them opportunities to keep learning and stay curious. But the impact doesn't end there.

The Learning and Work Institute's research also offers some encouraging news. Among adults who are learning, the proportion doing so for leisure or personal interest has risen from 20% in 2019 to 46% in 2026. 

People want to learn because it interests them, brings them enjoyment and helps them connect with others. But we cannot ignore the barriers that still prevent people from taking part. Age, previous education and personal circumstances continue to shape who gets opportunities to learn. 

We need to challenge the idea that learning belongs to the young, or that its only value is to help someone find a job. Learning matters at every stage of life. It helps us stay curious, connected and engaged with the world around us. 

So this Get the Nation Learning Week, why not give something new a go? 

You might surprise yourself.