Portugal is facing a demographic shift, with a significant increase in old-age dependency in the coming years. In response, the country has implemented policy measures to promote active ageing and improve the quality of life for elderly people. One key initiative that is making a difference in this area is the Associação Rede de Universidades da Terceira Idade (RUTIS), known as The Senior University!
RUTIS was established in 2005 to address the slow growth of the U3A model in Portugal. The University of the Third Age (U3A) is an international movement whose aims are the education and stimulation of mainly retired members of the community – those in their third ‘age’ of life. The U3As offer education and activities for older adults, 50 and over, to promote active ageing.
RUTIS is a member of the Portuguese State Economic and Social Council and has a unique agreement with the state to represent senior citizens’ universities and promote active ageing in Portugal. These unique features make RUTIS a significant player in the global movement for active ageing, and it organises national and international initiatives, such as festivals, training sessions and congresses.
The Centro de Estudos de Lagos (CEL) is part of the national network of the RUTIS Network. It is a non-political and non-denominational, non-profit organisation founded on 10 May, 2001. Located on Santa Maria Square in the centre of Lagos, it is a vibrant place that offers courses for everyone. It offers an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and make contact with others. The centre is actively seeking members of the foreign community to join to integrate into the local community and of course, make the most of their ‘third age’!
I spoke to Thea Verhoeks, a Dutch national who moved to the Algarve 16 years ago. She has been a member of CEL for 10 years and is now on the board of directors. “We are all friends, we have dinners together and take museum trips to Lisbon. It combats loneliness and really is amazing.” Thea initially joined to learn Portuguese but then became fascinated by Portuguese culture and so now studies Portuguese art and history along with philosophy. “I am now fluent in Portuguese and it makes life so much better here. I was so lucky to meet our professor Dr José Baptista. He is 82 but young at heart and now a great friend.”
While many academic courses are in Portuguese, there are many courses you can enrol in that do not require an understanding of Portuguese. These include dancing, yoga, singing, sewing, embroidery, and even the ukulele.
An inaugural class will mark the official opening of the school year on 11 October (time to be confirmed) at the cultural centre.
It will be a special occasion, with musician Júlio Pereira presenting his latest album, followed by a mini ukulele concert. The event is open for everyone to join.
The university also welcomes those who’d like to share particular skills, such as teaching breadmaking, sewing, art, etc. The school year will commence on 14 October.
RUTIS is not just a university, it’s a catalyst for change. It’s playing a vital role in promoting active ageing and improving the quality of life for elderly people in Portugal. Through its initiatives and collaborations, RUTIS is not just contributing to a more inclusive and age-friendly society. It’s shaping it for the better.
Enrolment information
In the academic year 2024/2025, the Universidade de Lagos offers a wide range of subjects taught by volunteer teachers. To enrol, you need to be a CEL member. New students (non-members), will be admitted upon becoming a member, which requires payment of:
Fee: €15
Annual membership fee: €36
Annual student membership fee: €36 +€30 (membership fee + University attendance fee, which includes a block of four subjects of the student’s choice)
Your first four subjects are included in this fee. If you take more than four subjects, there is an additional fee of €5 for each course.
If you want more information in your own language here are some useful contacts:
Thea (Dutch, English and German) +351 912 246 494
Danka (Polish and English) +48 601 229 228
Annik (French) +33 7 63 55 59 07
Michele Tarquini (Italian) +39 335 243 883
Portugal is facing a significant demographic shift, with a predicted population decline and an increase in the elderly population. By 2050, it is estimated that the elderly will make up 35 per cent of the total population. The country is also projected to have a higher old-age dependency ratio, with challenges in providing services for the ageing population. The country is preparing for an increase in the number of people aged 80 and over, requiring tailored policies and initiatives to address the challenges of an ageing population.
