Literacy and numeracy are probably the two things which changed your life most but at the time you may have hated both of them.

Many people in Third Age turn back the clock to tackle literacy and numeracy elements which they may not have grasped during their schooldays. The stigma which was once attached to lack of basic skills is rapidly disappearing and there are many facilities out there for people to improve their abilities.

A large number of people in their third age missed out on primary education for different reasons. In the 1950’s it was much easier for a child to be left behind by their peers in reading or arithmetic. It was unusual for someone to excel in both.

Take a look at yourself and you will know which was your strongest area. It probably shaped your career path without you realising. It is considered a little old hat now to speak about the three Rs but they are just as relevant today as ever, whatever teaching methods they are wrapped up in.

I recall struggling with fractions as a child but am appalled today at just how many children don’t even know what a fraction is! I am not a lover of modern teaching methods, probably a third age trait, but I took a look at the BBC Skillswise site and was delighted to see that someone still does fractions. Simplifying fractions gets a whole section to itself and without a fearsome Maths teacher peering over my shoulder I found myself understanding more in five minutes than I had in five years.

Speech is often slovenly among today’s younger generations, and I defy most of them to come up to the standard of a modestly educated third ager.

Nouns, pronouns, adverbs and adjectives may not have been your strong point, but the chances are you have learned to express yourself along the way simply by life experience.

But back to those of you who may have difficulties. There has never been a better time to face them and through a variety of methods.

There are some excellent online courses to use, often free. I recommend the site BBC Skillswise for those confident enough to tackle their problems online.

If you really want to go for it big time use the Open University’s vast choice of courses. But if you like informality try the University of the Third Age. They have locally focussed groups in most areas and cover many subjects. Find them at www.u3a.org.uk/. We will be dealing with the University of Third Age opportunities in more depth soon.

Literacy and numeracy resources are a vast subject. Do not be shy of tackling your problem publicly or privately, and over the coming months we will be giving more pointers on both subjects.

Graham Smith for Third Age.