The University of the Third Age (Università tat-Tielet Età, U3E) of the Institute of Gerontology of the University of Malta, was inaugurated in January 1993, and to date 600 have enrolled.

U3E is considered a practical opportunity of broadening one's knowledge generating productive aging. It is described as the age of active retirement, coming after the age of youth and the age of work.

'University' is a loose term as there are no academic requirements for membership, no exams! At retirement, life is not coming to a close but is coming to a change.

Registration is open to all persons over the age of 60. U3E offers its members and society intellectual and emotional stimulation, but learning is strictly for enjoyment and self-esteem because, in principle, education is regarded by everyone as a lifelong process.

Study units vary from year to year. The 2006-2007 programme covers such topics as Constitutional Development, French, German, Spanish, Il-Malti Mitkellem mill-Maltin u l-Ghawdxin, Malta's Heritage, Folklore, Art, The Church in Modern Society, Maltese Churches, Health, Keep Fit in Old Age, not to mention religious and cultural activities. Interest groups are also being organised.

Lectures are held are held from Monday to Friday between 9 and 11 a.m. at the U3E office in St Christopher Street, Valletta; and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. in St Patrick's Hall, Sliema, with a short break during each lecture.

Those who wish to enrol are to complete an application form, available at the U3E office, and pay the Lm5 registration fee. Applicants are requested to call at the U3E office on weekdays between 9 and 11 a.m. (tel. 2124-3202).