By Jed Lanyon
The Upper Yarra U3A are welcoming new members to participate in social events and share their knowledge and skills.
U3A or University of the Third Age is a volunteer community of people who share many educational, creative and leisure activities.
Upper Yarra U3A committee member Anne O’Shaughnessy said, “The third age is people after retirement or who are semi-retired. You could probably say for anyone past 55.”
There are six U3A organisations in Melbourne’s outer east including, Healesville, Upper Yarra (Yarra Junction), Yarra Ranges (Lilydale), Mount Dandenong, Walmsley Village and Sherbrooke.
The Upper Yarra U3A features over 180 members who can participate in over 30 classes.
Ms O’Shaughnessy teaches a pole walking class and said that there are a wide variety of classes to choose from such as wood carving, tap dancing, French and Italian for beginners, arts and crafts, technology, astronomy, yoga lawn bowls and many more.
“I enjoy the opportunity we have to help people age with a bit of dignity,” she said.
“My philosophy is that as we get older we need to keep up our mind, body and social engagements.
“If we have all those in line, often it is good for our health … And I think U3A is one avenue to help that.”
Ms O’Shaughnessy said that U3A is a great way to meet new friends and learn new things no matter what level of experience a member may have in a particular field.
“To join, you just pay an annual fee and then you can go to as many classes as you want.”
For more information, visit https://www.u3avictoria.com.au/
