University of the third Age in Taunton- Zoe ainsworth Press secretary

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 35^th 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 )