A FORUM on aged care services in the region, hosted by the Snowy Mountains branch of the University of the Third Age (U3A), was well attended last Friday at Saint Andrew's hall in Cooma.

The guest speakers covered a wide range of topics on aged care and the services available to elderly residents in the Snowy Monaro.

SMU3A president, Nick Goldie, said the committee organised an impressive line-up of guest speakers who included Vicki Lynch (mobility aids and services); Sharon

Constance (Aged Care assessment team); Denise Kilpatrick (Illawarra Retirement Trust); Werri Nina (My Aged Care).

"Aging is an issue which comes to all of us, sooner or later," Mr Goldie said, "either to ourselves or to our friends and relatives. It's no more than common sense for each of us to gain as much expertise as we can in dealing with the reality of aging."

U3A is an international movement and not-for-profit group helping people no longer working full time with education and activities for life.

However, since its inception it has undergone a change in membership age.

"Where previously the organisation was only open to people of retirement age, under the new rules, it is open to anyone over the age of 18," Mr Goldie said.

Among the many courses available in Cooma and Jindabyne are the study of Shakespeare and poetry, computing and telephone skills, French, myths and legends, Summer safety, and more.

Courses are held in the St Andrews Hall, Soho Street, Cooma.

"SMU3A welcomes everyone over the age of 18," Mr Goldie said.

For further information contact 0493 567 691.