Make the most of retirement with u3a

Published : 08 January 2026 Views: 2163

Helen, Chair of East Antrim u3a, shares some of the things she's learnt during her recent retirement and how becoming a u3a member has enhanced this stage of her life.

Avoid the cliff edge

It can be quite a shock to your system suddenly leaving a structured work environment on a Friday and facing a blank page of retirement on a Monday; whether you are in a busy work environment enjoying every minute or simply counting down the hours when you will stop working, prepare yourself for it.

Your brain and your body need time to acclimatise, so where possible, reduce your hours and consider how you will spend your time in retirement. This is not always possible but scanning the environment beyond work and checking out opportunities for structuring retirement in ways that you choose, will make a difference.

Keep learning

The ‘Live, Learn Laugh’ ethos of u3a with its emphasis on informal, lifelong learning, supported by member volunteers provides such a very uplifting experience.

I became a member of East Antrim u3a shortly after retirement.

East Antrim u3a Canoe Group explore the Lagan River in Belfast

The ‘Practical Art’ group enables me to explore my creative side, ‘Bat & Chat’ (table tennis) helps me keep active both in mind and body. I had never held a table tennis bat in my life before, and the challenge of acquiring a new set of skills without judgement or censure is such a joy.

See ageing as an opportunity

Generally ageing is viewed in a negative light but considering the alternative I welcome it.

At any one time we have at least three ages: our chronical age, our biological age and depending on mood and circumstances the age we feel; sometimes we shift from feeling 80 to 18, (this happens to me quite a lot during ‘Bat & Chat’).

So reframe thoughts of chronological age, and consider retirement as the next stage of your life.

East Antrim u3a members outside their premises

The ancient Greeks had two words for time: Chronos and Kairos. Chronos reflects the measurement of time passing - seconds, minutes, days. Kairos represents the opportunities and experiences that occur in between times - how someone spends their time, quality rather than quantity.

This is what u3a means to me. Whether you want to share your skills or develop new ones, there is something for everyone.

Religions and philosophies throughout the world promote the idea that ‘it is better to give than to receive’ and u3a enables you to do both. What a powerful way to spend the next stage of life.

Discover endless opportunities in retirement with u3a

Find your nearest u3a

Latest News

Make the most of retirement with u3a

Avoid the cliff edge

Keep learning

See ageing as an opportunity

Discover endless opportunities in retirement with u3a