U3A - A transition to retirement

U3A

A transition to retirement

While there are significant lifestyle advantages in being a member of U3A, in terms of lifelong learning, social interaction and the pursuit of an active life in retirement, its greatest benefit for me personally is that U3A created a smooth transition to retirement.

Words John Armstrong

Managing my own magazine publishing business, every day was a busy day, with work to do, people to see, business associations to nurture, and events to attend. It was a busy life, sometimes too busy, but I knew that one day I would retire – and, good grief, what would I do with my days then?

I’ve always played golf and associated with older people who had retired. While there was the old refrain “Oh, I don’t know how I ever had time to go to work” there were many who said, “John, don’t retire, it’s boring, you lose contact with the outside world.” One chap remarked, “My biggest decision of the day is whether to mow the grass today or leave it until tomorrow (mañana).” It’s true, once business life ceases normal life programming is interrupted; the phone seems to stop ringing, the invitations to events wane, the interaction with business associates declines and there is a general downturn in life’s activities, other than home life. Adjusting to 24/7 at home also presents its challenges, with this bloke who used to go to work now home all day, all week.

A great deal of thought is needed, therefore, by prospective retirees as to how to spend potentially the next 20 years or so of their lives without work. There may be vocational courses that cover ‘How to Retire, and Survive’ but who has the time in a busy life?

Enter U3A. I joined U3A Sunshine Coast as my wife Suzette was a member, to join a dining group, and we continue to enjoy going out socially. I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy sitting on the deck at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club having lunch with U3A friends on a perfect day on the Sunshine Coast. But I digress, at a previous U3A dinner, someone asked if I would help with the U3A newsletter that “would only take a couple of hours each week.” With my background in publishing, this was an inviting prospect, to continue work on a voluntary basis while contributing to U3A. Suzette seemed very keen to get me involved in this ‘job’ that I suspect “would get me out of the house.”

As things happen, I became the Communications Officer on the committee and have enjoyed doing that work over the past two years, and I am into my second year as Vice President of U3A Network Queensland.

So, the value for me in being a member of U3A lies not only in the educational, wellness, social and sporting opportunities but just as importantly in maintaining an interest in business practice and in technology, and that has to be good for the ‘grey matter’ and one’s sense of being relevant.

This is my story but in my rounds as Communications Officer I have observed people with similar stories about what U3A has meant in enriching their lives. To me, U3A provides a wealth of opportunities; all you need to do is turn up.

CONNECT