Organisations
Probably, no, undoubtedly, the most famous organisation for aging folk is AARP or as it was once called the American Association of Retired Persons. Based in USA but members are Worldwide, it was founded by Ethel Percy Andrus. In 1958, when retired from the teaching profession, this PhD Doctor formed it as a "nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over ... dedicated to enhancing quality of life for all as we age". Now that's what I call a retirement project!
CARP
This is for Canadian retirees
A lovely organisation is the Red Hatters
or to give it its official handle the Red Hat Society which was formed in USA but inspired by a poem written by a British lass, when she was long from being in her dotage. The Red Hat founder is Sue Ellen Cooper, the poet is Jenny Joseph and the poem is called "Warning"
"The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next."
- Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Mother
Here's Jenny reading her poem
Here is I chatting to Red Hatters
These girls aren't home baking a cake
They're feisty fifty plus ladies
Out dining at Niagara on the Lake
And now... The Raging Grannies