Third age learning for active ageing in Malta : successes and limitations

Abstract

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since the launching of a University of the Third Age (U3A) in Malta in 1993. The Maltese U3A runs from October to June and operates from five centres—namely, in Floriana, Sliema, Attard, Vittoriosa, and Gèajnsielem (Gozo). Whilst the premises in Floriana are spacious and can hold up to 200 members, the other premises are relatively smaller, with a maximum capacity of about 60 persons. In June 2018, theMaltese U3A included 654 members, 179 men and 492 women—thus, female members outnumbered males by a ratio of three to one. The majority of members tend to be in the 60–69 age cohort (42%), with both membership and participation falling with increasing age: 70–79 (39%), 80–89 (11%), and 90-plus (2%). Six per cent declined to list their exact ages. An account of the historical development of the U3A in Malta is not the objective of this chapter as it can be found in much detail elsewhere. Instead, the aim of this chapter is to report on a multimethod study investigating the impact on third age learning on active ageing. Such a study was warranted because whilst many research publications applaud U3As for their potential to bring about higher levels of well-being amongst older persons, empirical research documenting the potential successes and limitations of U3As in bringing about higher levels of active ageing amongst its members is relatively lacking.