When I turned fifty, I received my invitation to join AARP.
Unlike turning 18 or 21, it wasn't very exciting. For most
people
AARP perks are the magazine and newspaper and some
discounts.
When women turn 50, however, they become eligible for a
sisterhood
of fun, frivolity, and fellowship--The Red Hat Society.
I'm an unabashed fan and admirer.
The members refuse to have "middle age" be a cue to go gently into the night.
Rather, they insist on being outrageous, audacious, and
even silly. Their red hats
and purple clothes say they want to dress up, have fun, and
don't care if others think
they look odd. Men aren't invited. It's a "girl thing." The
organization only began
about six years ago and already has more than 35,000
chapters. What distinguishes
the Red Hat Society is their attitude that getting older
just means more freedom to be
yourself, to have fun, and to bond with other women who
want to live life fully.
The closest male counterpart is golfers over fifty wearing
those lime green pants with
little ducks or perhaps a Shriner's meeting.
Founder Sue Ellen Cooper's first book was titled, The Red Hat Society:
Fun and Friendship after Fifty. Well said. So what
do you get a woman for her
50th birthday? Why a red hat, of course. The group has several keys to growing
young--
developing friendships, pursuing humor, not worrying about
what others think, and seeing
"middle age" as a time of renewal. Whether male or female,
their hattitude is a great one
for staying youthful at every age.
QUOTES
The world is your playground. Why aren’t you playing?
~Ellie Katz
HUMOR
You can’t appreciate home till you’ve left it,
the money till its spent,
your wife till she’s joined a woman’s club.
~O. Henry
You can only be young once, but you can always be immature.
~Dave Berry
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Anti-Aging
PsychologyThe following newsletter articles may be reprinted in E-zines, newsletters, newspapers, and magazines provided they the content is not edited and the attribution below is given. Formatting may be changed and you may use one of the web site pictures of the author to accompany the article.
"Dr. Michael Brickey, The Anti-Aging Psychologist, teaches people to think, feel, look and be more youthful. He is an inspiring keynote speaker and Oprah-featured author. His works include: Defy Aging, 52 Baby Steps to grow young, and Reverse Aging (anti-aging hypnosis CDs). Visit www.NotAging.com for a free report on anti-aging secrets and a free newsletter with practical anti-aging tips."