| More than one and a half million women in forty countries (October, 2007) have joined the Red Hat Society during its interesting eight year history that began in April, 1998. In this report I investigate how the Red Hat Society created a huge network of like-minded women over fifty (and sometimes under) from all walks of life to become the largest women's group in the world. In fact, the RHS calls themselves the "the biggest women's playgroup in the world." I report, however, through experiences with a group of women who participated in this study, that there is a very serious side to this "playgroup." My findings indicate the Society has clearly touched a nerve to have grown so fast in only a few short years. It has sparked somewhat of a revolution in women over 50.;The RHS mission is "to spread joy and companionship, to gain higher visibility for older women and reshape the way we are viewed." Although the RHS's mission sounds serious, the members accomplish these goals through unabashed "silliness," dressed in red hats and purple dresses.;Through the efforts of feminist movements, women have made significant progress toward equality during the past 150 years. However, in spite of these positive steps, women still fear growing old. This study reports that the Red Hat Society is challenging societal perceptions of aging by examining old role models in contrast to those new ones the RHS is promoting. In addition, this study investigates the myths and misinformation of aging and how the RHS Chapters are challenging and debunking those myths.;This paper attempts to provide, through various literature, interviews, and dinner talk conversations, a picture of the well-being of the older woman. In this report the findings indicate that the Red Hat Society and midlife theorists concur that aging should be something anticipated with excitement, not something to dread. |
