u3a - Retirement Rewired

Many u3a members recoil from the word retirement

Some reject it outright

For them, it is not a neutral description, but a word loaded with assumptions: withdrawal, slowing down or stepping back. It can sound less like a new chapter and more like a closing statement.

The lives described in this research tell a very different story.

This is retirement rewired.

Across u3a, people in their fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond are using this stage of life to learn new things, build friendships, stay active and contribute to their communities.

Life beyond full-time work is not the end of a chapter, but one of the richest opportunities of their lives: a time to keep learning, build friendships, stay active and discover renewed purpose.

This is not a period of retreat. It is a period of possibility.

Download the report

Report summary

Headline findings

Blue pill box with the statistic 95% Say u3a has improved their life in some way

Blue pill box with the statistic 90% Say u3a gives them opportunities to keep learning and stay curious

Blue pill box with the statistic 79% Say u3a has expanded their social connections

Blue pill box with the statistic 77% Say their sense of wellbeing has improved since joining

Blue pill box with the statistic 66% Say u3a has helped them stay mentally and physically active

Blue pill box with the statistic 45% Say being part of u3a has reduced feelings of loneliness or isolation

The findings point to four connected sources of impact:

1. Learning

Keeping curious, sharing knowledge and discovering new interests.

2. Connection

Widening friendships and social networks through shared activities.

3. Activity

Staying mentally, physically and socially active.

4. Purpose

Contributing, organising, leading, helping others and feeling useful.

The unique benefit of u3a is that this is not a service delivered to people in later life. It is a movement built by members themselves.
People are not passive recipients, but active contributors, helping not just themselves, but other people to live better lives.

u3a member voices

For many members, u3a offers a way to start something new without starting from nothing. It provides an existing community, a safe place to get involved, and a simple first step into a more active, connected and purposeful life.

Case Study:

Before retiring, Ian Merriman was concerned about losing the social network that had come through work. He joined Yate & Sodbury u3a before his retirement date, signing up to groups and monthly meetings. He is now co-leader of four interest groups, gives talks and presentations, and has joined the local Executive Committee.

Ian, Yate and Sodbury u3a

Dark green speech bubble with a quote that reads I love the positivity of people at u3a. They are brimming with a zest for life, being sociable, learning new things and supporting each other

Orange speech bubble with the quote When I arrived in Belfast, recently divorced, I knew nobody. Belfast u3a embraced me and I made a whole new family of friends

Purple speech bubble with the quote I moved to a new area where I knew no one and was welcomed into several groups. I now have a good local social life with more activities than I expected.

Read the full report

The full report explores how u3a members are "rewiring retirement" through lifelong learning. It brings together survey results, personal experiences, case studies and research evidence to demonstrate the impact of staying connected, active and purposeful in later life.