As people live longer, keeping free from stress is a major
factor. Money worries, health and
fitness, keeping the mind occupied are all things that lead to stresses in
later life.
Making healthy lifestyle choices—don't smoke, eat well,
practice good hygiene, and reduce stress in your life leads to a happy retired
life. But how to do that? We are told to
have: a positive outlook, stay as active as possible—mentally and physically, see
your health care provider regularly and follow his or her recommendations for
screening and preventative measures and remain socially in contact with other
people.
But one of the most important things you can do to stay
healthy in your golden years is to maintain your sense of purpose by staying
connected to people and things that matter to you. However, this isn't always
easy—especially in a society that all-too-often views older people as a burden. The Iniversity of the Third Age (U3A) can
help.
Volunteering in your community, attending a local event, joining
a club or taking up a new hobby are all things
are very positive ways of helping oneself in elder years and destresses us.
The University of the Third Age is a very sensitive
organization that has recognized this need for many years and has been active in Taunton since 1985.
Many people are intimidated by the word ‘University’ but of course it just
means ‘keeping our grey matter nimble.’
U3A (University of the Third Age) is a UK movement of
retired and semi-retired people who come together to continue their educational,
social and creative interests in a friendly and informal environment. New research shows U3A's positive,
cost-effective and sustainable impact on the wellbeing and future of retired
people in the UK. Members of local U3As draw upon their knowledge and experience
to teach and learn from each other. It's all voluntary, run in informal
activity sessions, covering hundreds of different subjects.
U3A is an informal, co-operative, volunteer-led organisation
which embraces everyone of all backgrounds, religions and cultures. There are
no formal qualifications or exams to pass. The U3A draws on the strengths and
enthusiasms of all its members. In Taunton there are over 20 groups to choose from, ranging from an
active walking group to a singing group or the study of philosophy or climate
change. We also have regular get togethers over a friendly meal both at
Bridgwater and Somerset College and Pickering Golf Club.
The groups are run by the members themselves and if you have
a particular skill or specialist knowledge that you would like to share, we
would be very grateful if you introduced yourself to our Chairman at the social
get together that happens in Taunton Library on the third Monday morning of the
month or at our Meet and Greet sessions at Temple Methodist Church on the second Tuesday of the
month.
Taunton U3A is very keen to show that in a environment of a
largely retired population, we can
embrace the new and sometimes whacky. They say laughter is the most stress
reducing medicine. In 2019 we hope to make an impact by fundraising for
Children in Need and in 20125 we will be out celebrating in style for our 35th
anniversary.
We look forward to meeting you if you would like to join,
Mike Tompsett (Chairman)
mike.tompsett83@btinternet.com
If you would like to join please contact……
www. u3asites.org.uk/taunton.co.uk
(Photo of Mike Tompsett congratulating Bridgwater and
Somerset College on their hosting of many U3A’s dining experiences )
