Welcome
As President of the worldwide federation of associations devoted to third age learning, I have great pleasure in sending greetings for a happy and successful 2008 to all colleagues, both participants and providers.

When the demands of working life and family responsibilities have begun to recede, the third age becomes a time of opportunity for an increasing number of older people throughout the world. From those fortunate enough to have enjoyed a rich educational provision in earlier life through to those for whom it is only now in later life that such possibilities arise, third age learning can provide fulfilment and personal enrichment.

During my first year of office as IAUTA President it has become even more apparent to me that in many different countries and contexts, organised in different ways and using different methods, third age learning is being conducted with these same ends in view. Diplomas and qualifications are not the only aim; the role of universities of the third age is to provide individuals with stimulus, companionship and fresh challenges. Many of these will be intellectual but others of a more recreational or cultural nature also help to ensure that third age learning makes an important and positive contribution both to individuals and to society.

The role of IAUTA is to provide support for those involved in these exciting ventures, be they learners or providers, whatever the title given to their institutions or organisations. That support comes in the form of opportunities for direct exchange of ideas and experiences, either face to face or using the increasingly available technology for 'virtual' meetings. Such sharing opens up possibilities and removes unseen barriers of ignorance and prejudice. IAUTA's biennial international gatherings (the Congress) not only provide such opportunities but also involve high quality presentations from speakers of renown. (Details of the next Conference, which will take place in Turin, Italy in September 2008, can be found here.) The members of the Governing Body of the Association are able to assist the dissemination of information and documentation in the many countries from which they come. In addition, the IAUTA journal and other occasional publications provide further opportunities for sharing information.

At a time when resources available to adult non-vocational learning are limited or under threat, an international body such as IAUTA has a particular responsibility to ensure that governments and other multi-national bodies understand and respond to the demands and contributions of third age learning. This is part of the representative role of IAUTA which also involves membership of or representation on other multi-national bodies.

To those of you already benefiting from the international dimension of third age learning, I send my very best wishes; to those who have yet to experience the particular pleasure and stimulus of such international activity, I invite you to join us in membership of our federation.

Stanley Miller

In a word, if IAUTA didn't exist, it would have to be invented ! So why not subscribe now and join us ?