Washington U3A, Tyne and Wear, UK - 0191 4161347
WELCOME TO WASHINGTON U3A
The aim of this site is provide an archive to existing members, to attract prospective members and provide resources for older people, whether or not they are members of the U3A. The U3A is a National and International self-help learning organisation of older people. It enables us to keep abreast of current events and share many educational, creative and leisure activities. The aim of the U3A is to encourage those over the age of fifty to join and benefit from the activities provided, use their skills for the advantage of others and develop new interests.
Monthly meetings are now held at St. Andrew's Church, Concorde, Washington on the second Tuesday in the month at 10.00am. There is a membership waiting list at present.
MEMBERS' RESOURCES - HEALTH AND AGEING
THE BRAIN, MIND AND AGEING
The Royal Institute lectures to U3a members in April looked at the relationship between the brain, the mind and ageing. Professor Greenfield, who specializes in brain research, stated that people are born with all the brain cells they will ever have. It is the connections within the brain, that grow later, that make us individuals with personalized minds of our own. Professor Greenfield was also reassuring about the ageing brain. Age does not lead inevitable to the brain's deterioration, nor do the majority of the ageing population suffer Alzheimers. However, the brain does need stimulation to keep it alert and agile. The more exercise and stimulation it receives, the greater the growth of connections between brain cells.
MEMBERS' RESOURCES - CONSUMER RIGHTS
Distance Selling regulations state that there is a 7 day cooling-off period after you have signed up for a service. This means that you can cancel the contract within those seven days; so if you find a better offer during that period then you are in luck. Misleading descriptions and fit for purpose If you buy an item that does not look like the the illustration that you originally saw, you have protection. You are entitled to a refund or an exchange for the item you want. Faulty items. If a company claims that it does not provide refunds on faulty items then it is disobeying the law. The first step is to return the item to the Managing Director, with a firm but polite letter of complaint. If this does not work go to the small claims court
Fundamentally, you have the same basic rights when buying online from UK company as when you purchase from a traditional shop. The seller might be reluctant to comply in some cases but the law is on the side of the consumer.
MEMBERS' RESOURCES - HOW TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY
Colin Mcdonald, right on cue for the winter, came to the November meeting of Washington U3a to talk, on a subject dear to our hearts, how to keep warm but also save energy and money. He belonged to The Energy Efficient Advice Centre. This was established by the Government's Energy Advisory Trust, post 1992, to reduce CO2 emissions. Currently, he stated, households produce 25 percent of UK CO2 and the government argued that if less energy were used then less CO2 would be produced.
He started off the talk by asking us how much energy was lost through the following areas, of a normal three bed-roomed house which was not insulated? 1. Roof - 25 percent 2. Windows - 15 percent 3. As a result of Draughts - 15 percent 4. Floors - 10 percent 5. Walls - 35 percent
MEMBERS' RESOURCES
HOW DO WE KEEP FIT AND HEALTHY? AND COPE WITH THE AGEING PROCESS
HOW DO WE (MORE MATURE PEOPLE) KEEP FIT AND HEALTHY? AND COPE WITH THE AGEING PROCESS? I wish I knew. However, some of the following have been suggested, by 'authorities', as a means of maintaining or even regaining some of our past fitness. Fundamentally, there is a need to gain body and mind awareness or insight into current fitness or health levels. We also need to understand the impact of our changing environment on our body and mind. It is possible that just one of the following could help, however, the probability is that a combination of these necessary. An ideal choice would involve body awareness, developing concentration and suppleness and perhaps even strength,
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE - MEDITATION AND RELAXATION - PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES TAI CHI - YOGA