Working with the Third Age

Carlos Raimundo has been working with people in the Third Age through two Australian community settings: U3A (University of the Third Age) and the Men's Shed.

U3A Tweed Coast is part of the University of the Third Age movement, providing opportunities for older adults to continue learning, share their knowledge, pursue interests and participate in community life. Men's Sheds began as an Australian community movement and have become places where men can meet, develop friendships, take part in meaningful activities and contribute to their communities — the Australian Men's Shed Association now supports more than 1,300 sheds nationally.

Feelings Allowed in the Third Age

Carlos facilitated a series of workshops exploring emotions in the Third Age and their place in living well, primarily with participants aged 65 and over. The workshops drew on Feelings Allowed, written by Carlos with his daughters Melanie and Stephanie Raimundo. Particular attention was given to the roles we play as we grow older, the changing nature of relationships, role reversal, and developing greater understanding and tolerance of one another.

With the U3A group, participants also worked experientially using the Play of Life® method. In one session, they used three-dimensional figures to explore how they perceived themselves in relationships with others, including both the best and not-so-best of themselves. A second session shifted perspective through role reversal: rather than asking only How do I see the other person?, participants explored the more challenging question:

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How might the other person experience me?

The work invited reflection on relationships, ageing, emotions and the roles we continue to create and recreate throughout life.