Renewing Universities of the Third Age : challenges and visions for the future

Abstract

The University of the Third Age [UTA] has developed into a global success story. Whether holding a ‘top-down’ administrative arrangement or embodying a culture of self-help, there can be no doubt as to the triumph of UTAs in meeting the educational, social, and psychological needs of older persons. However, on the basis of fieldwork conducted at the UTA in Malta a cautionary note must be warranted. UTAs may also function as yet another example of glorified occupational therapy that is both conservative and oppressive. At the same time, UTA models seem to be running the risk of becoming obsolete as societies embark on a ‘late-modern’ model of the life course in which the sequential division between learning, work and retirement is becoming increasingly blurred. This article calls for the UTA movement to go through a cultural revolution to remain relevant to contemporary ageing lifestyles. Six key directions are forwarded: embracing a trans formational rationale, ensuring that access overcomes class, gender and ethnic biases, guaranteeing that teaching and learning strategies are skilfully suited to older persons, making greater use of eLearning techniques, extending its activities to frail and physically dependent older people especially those in residential/nursing homes, and organising activities that promote intergenerational learning.