Research and Study Groups

We operate in a world that no realises that too conversations during the later years are dominated by often depressing realities of retirement, loss, illness, decline, and the imminent reality of our mortality. Too much of these reminiscences, accumulates into  a sometimes-depressing mix of regrets, remorse and despair. Incidentally, these are also not easily shared.

At NU3A, we hold conversations to enrich this discourse and open up the space for frank conversation and documentation. Within the safe space, conversations can be held among peers on aging and sickness, loneliness and isolation and all that can be done to alleviate these. It is expected that participants rise with greater enthusiasm to discover the hidden treasures in aging and are able to speak more empoweringly on it. They’re supported to grow in their knowledge and understanding of what happens at old age and how these can be mitigated. Above all, opportunities are created for them to give back and enhance their relevance through networks that ultimately.

Our programmes continue to drive the narrative that Institutions of higher learning need to explore and refine the role they play in keeping elders engaged and active through continuing education, whether by investigating new technological methodologies for reaching older adults such as distance learning or by facilitating the establishment of new learning structures, such as partnering with NU3A in learning in programmes. NU3A believes that learning in retirement enables the adult focus on learning and mastery for its own sake.

Our programmes and cohorts dig in through the relevant research teams to examine answer the following questions:

• What do we know about the post-retirement years and about aging?
• How prepared are we for aging and imminent loss of agency? How do we treat the loss of agency?
• What insights does each generation bring into the aging and retirement process and our understanding of it?

Features

The institute has the following features:

• Peer-led courses in liberal arts, sciences, and humanities
• No exams or grades, emphasizing the joy of learning
• Opportunities for community engagement and socialization
• An elderly care programme known as Golden Years Care
• Flexibility in scheduling

NU3A has campuses in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt with plans to expand to other locations.