The U3E (University of the Third Age) or the U3A of the Institute of Gerontology at the University inaugurated the new academic year on October 6 with Mass at the Jesuits Church, Valletta, with the participation of the U3E Choir.

Members assembled in the U3E lecture hall in St Christopher Street, Valletta. Professor Joseph Troisi, head of gerontology and geriatrics, Education Minister Louis Galea, Parliamentary Secretary Helen Damato and University Rector Professor Juanito Camilleri addressed the assembly.

There was a common word of praise for the large attendance as it drove the message of a good quality of longevity, generating productive aging.

U3E is an extended education promoting learning for personal enjoyment and satisfaction with an aim to provide leisure. The role is also that of providing a stimulus for continued mental activity.

At retirement, life is not coming to a close but is coming to a change. The speakers' expressions reflected the fact that U3E is considered a practical opportunity for broadening one's knowledge and an asset to society, fostering learning for enjoyment and self-esteem, because in principle education is a lifelong process.